SIBU: University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) launched six new academic programmes on Thursday (Jan 19).
They consisted of one undergraduate programme from the School of Computing and Creative Media, and five postgraduate programmes from the School of Built Environment.
Sarawak Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee said it was UTS’ mission each year to improve student intake and also to diversify its programmes.
The UTS chairman also noted that by offering more choices, the university would help fulfil the wishes of the state government to see Sarawak achieve developed status by 2030.
“It is rather difficult with so many institutions available not only in Malaysia but all over the world. (UTS needs) to compete with these universities, and it is not an easy task. We are new but something new can attract students, especially locals.
“We have a lot of facilities…we also saw more than 200 per cent increase in student intake for the past year because of our attractive fees. More importantly, we need to have a variety of programmes.
“Not only in terms of technology programmes but also humanity, arts, and social,” he said when launching the extension of the online subscription for Press Reader and Britannica to Kolej Laila Taib (KLT) and Woodlands International School as well as the new UTS academic programmes here on Thursday (Jan 19).
The Nangka assemblyman stressed that a university with a beautiful building and facilities without students was pointless, thus he urged everyone to work together to ensure that UTS become the first choice for Sarawakians to further their knowledge as well as their career.
Meanwhile, UTS vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abdul Hamid pointed out that the university was always committed to introducing academic programmes that are industry-relevant.
“As well as a good balance between academic, skills and personal development, based on professional and international standards and ensure high rate for employability of our graduates.”
The five new postgraduate programmes are Master of Construction Management, Master of Science in Architecture, Master of Science in Construction Management, Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture and Doctor of Philosophy in Construction Management.
Meanwhile, the new undergraduate programme is Bachelor of Mobile Game Development (Honours).
