KOTA SAMARAHAN: University Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) researchers are actively associated with the Sarawak government to promote and uplift local tourism.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Dr Wan Hashim Wan Ibrahim said the establishment of the Institute of Tourism Research and Innovation (ITRI) provided ample opportunities for UNIMAS academicians to collaborate on various research projects with the state government.
“UNIMAS plays a major part in building applications and web portals established by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) in connection with the Visit Malaysia 2020 and Visit Sarawak Campaigns.
“The Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) is funding and leading this project as part of its efforts to convey cultural heritage,” he said at the launch of the International Conference on Media and Society (iC-MAS 2022) here, today (Dec 20).
iC-MAS 2022 is a two-day conference aimed at providing numerous benefits to participants to exchange and disseminate knowledge on various research subjects, including the tourism industry.
Dr Wan Hashim further added that UNIMAS is committed to offering its expertise and support in this field, particularly tourism innovation and spatial technology, to elevate the industry further.
As a result, he said the application produced by the varsity’s researchers featuring many attractive destinations in Sarawak is in line with the state’s Digital Economy Strategy.
The application features assets including Kuching’s Old Heritage, Scenic Sites, National Parks and Nature Reserves, Food and Religious Trails, Museums and Heritage Villages.
“The process of disseminating cultural assets through the use of cutting-edge technology is also consistent with the state’s Digital Economy Strategy,” he said.
On another note, a chapter of a book titled ‘Bidayuh Lens: Living as a Bidayuh in Today’s World’ was also released during the conference. The book goes beyond the physical objects to explore other facets of Bidayuh culture.
