Relevance to national needs is a priority
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak is winning wide recognition for its strong emphasis on research and technology

Agood indication of the growing reputation of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) is that it has been attracting a steadily increasing number of students from Peninsular Malaysia. Located in the Eastern Malaysia State of Sarawak on the island of Borneo, the university aims to be a centre of academic and research excellence not only in the country but also in the region – an ambition reflected in its recent expansion to impressive new premises.

Originally housed exclusively on an attractive resort-style campus of wooden-structured low-rise buildings, now referred to as the East Campus, UNIMAS boasts an impressive multi-million ringgit West Campus of sophisticated modern design just a couple of miles down the road. The university now has eight faculties, six centres and three institutes, and a student body of approximately 6,500, of whom 10 per cent are post graduates.

Abdul Rashid Abdullah, the Vice-Chancellor, states that from its inception in 1992 UNIMAS has tailored its undergraduate programmes according to the application of knowledge in the work place. “There was a heavy emphasis on the student’s holistic capabilities – the very aspect of a student profile demanded by workplaces even today,” he says.

In 2003, UNIMAS was granted Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) status for its in developing manpower for MSC and related needs, through its strategic learning and training programmes. The university has also been granted the prestigious MS ISO 9001:2000 certification for excellence in its core management processes, from the intake of new students to certification of its graduates.

Abdul Rashid Abdullah Vice Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak

In line with its desire to be relevant to national development, the university has focused its research resources on niche areas of importance to society and the economy, “leveraging on the potentials of its location in South East Asia, and particularly in Borneo.” Collaboration has been established with industry and a multi-disciplinary approach in research is strongly encouraged.

Research areas in which UNIMAS is gaining recognition include biotechnological research in epidemiology, biogeography and agriculture; ICT, specifically on rural communication and image analysis; and biodiversity, natural resource and environmental management.

“We have embarked on a broad range of research in medical biotechnology and the application of biotechnology in many areas of natural science,” says Dr Abdul. “ICT is embraced extensively both as an area of research and as tool to enhance research.”

A vaccine for the potentially fatal viral disease dengue has been developed by the university’s Institute of Health and Community Medicine in collaboration with the international company Bavarian Nordic. And the Faculty of Resource Science and Technology has successfully developed a process to convert sago starch to lactic acid for the production of environmentally-friendly plastic.

UNIMAS has had an Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation since 1994. Two research groups that have more recently had their status upgraded to Centres of Excellence are the Malaria Research Centre and Centre for Water Research.

An example of the university working in partnership with industry is a study by UNIMAS scientists that identified a promising species for effective biodegradation of oil sludge, undertaken on behalf of ESP International, an established company in bioremediation of crude oil waste.

Dr Abdul emphasises the cultural diversity of the campus community. “It provides an opportunity to understand and appreciate Malaysians of other cultures and to contribute to national integration.”