CM: State govt will assist Curtin University expand its IT facilities
MIRI: The state government will assist Curtin University here in expanding its information technology (IT) facilities.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said this is necessary to meet the needs of Industry 4.0.
“I urge Curtin University to expand their IT facilities and faculty in line with the state government's goal to develop digital economy.
“It is hoped that they will then be able to produce graduates who are able to come out with new innovative ideas and start new things in future. We will fork out provision needed to meet this mission for as long as the university is willing to provide full cooperation,” Abang Johari told an audience comprising mostly students and lecturers during a working visit to Curtin University here yesterday.
Abang Johari said the state government always supported the readiness of local universities to adopt policies introduced by the government.
"Every university should create and dare to explore new job opportunities, especially in the field of information technology that is increasingly challenging now.
“Many areas of information technology can be explored by local universities to advance Sarawak's digital economy. Sarawak is rich in forest biodiversity and environment that have not been discovered by local experts, all these require detailed study and research,” he added.
Abang Johari emphasised that the university also holds the responsibility of creating new job opportunities for the younger generation.
“Curtin University needs to train people who are able to implement new jobs as new technologies means new job and new environment. We hope to see graduates from here able to fulfil their jobs and explore new technologies as well as coming up with new ways to do business and improve themselves for long term interest of the community and the state.
“We believe Curtin can help us to realise this mission,” he said.
Also present during the visit were Curtin Sarawak ProChancellor Datuk Patinggi Dr George Chan, Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong, Assistant Minister of Education and Technological Research Dr Annuar Rapaee, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Curtin Sarawak Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Jim Menczakowski and board of directors.