Unimas urged to develop human capital
KUCHING: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak ( Unimas) can play an important role in generating competent human capital for the digital economy, through innovative curriculum and training.
Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said that there is a need to conduct research in various areas of the digital economy to ensure that there are always new technologies being developed and new ways of applying ICT to solve problems in various domains.
In his text of speech read out by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas at the 10th International Conference on Information Technology in Asia ( CITA) 2017, Abang Johari said there is no way to avoid the transformations and emerging trends of technology.
“Internet users show dramatic increment from day to day. Smart home technology may be the next to rise in popularity after smartphone. Technology shapes our future — however, it has to be compatible with nature and our culture.”
He added that technology should not be seen as a negative effect but should help society to develop further and faster.
“Technology should add benefits to the whole society and simplify human life. To achieve the best
Technology should add benefits to the whole society and simplify human life. To achieve the best results, all experts from many fields have to discuss to get the best outcome from technology transformations.
results, all experts from many fields have to discuss to get the best outcome from technology transformations.”
He said that Sarawak is on the move to transform the state economy, from dependence on an agricultural and industry-based economy, towards an economy based on the digital economy.
“Sarawak will set up the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) to regulate the development of ICT infrastructure and digital economy utilisation. Sarawak will also have a roadmap to develop a sustainable digital ecosystem,” he said.
In his speech, Unimas deputy vice- chancellor (student affairs and alumni) Prof Mohd Fadzil Abdul Rahman said that they are fully supportive of the government’s vision towards a digital economy.
“In Unimas, ICT is one of the three niche areas in term of research focus— plus, we also offer various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes to produce a competent and holistic workforce for the future.”
The graduate employability for the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology at Unimas is averaging at around 80 per cent, which indicates that the graduates are in high demand in the industry.
In the same ceremony, Unimas exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU) with FSecure Corporation ( M) Sdn Bhd.
Under this MoU, Unimas and FSecure will cooperate in terms of research projects, staff exchange, student projects and development of curriculum and syllabus.
Mohd Fadzil represented Unimas while F- Secure was represented by its director Ingvar Froiland.
Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, Chief Minister