SIBU: University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) has consistently strived to be at the forefront of academic excellence and innovative research over the last 10 years of its establishment.
Pointing out this, UTS vice-chancellor Datuk Dr Khairuddin Ab Hamid said in the light of the rapid globalisation, there is a need for universities to move towards a stronger commitment beyond the traditional boundaries of an ivory tower.
“Universities need to make positive impacts on the society, thus it is our commitment to build on the Borneo regionalism niche through collaborative efforts with our counterparts in Sabah and neighbouring countries of Brunei and Kalimantan, Indonesia, particularly in terms of preserving and promoting the rich heritage Borneo has to offer,” he stated.
Khairuddin said this when speaking at the opening ceremony of the International Heritage and Cultural Conservation Conference (INHERIT) 2023 held at Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud Chancellor’s Hall in UTS here last Wednesday afternoon.
The two-day conference was attended by close to 300 participants, including 54 representatives from Germany, Japan, Poland, China, India, Ghana, Oman and Indonesia.
According to Khairuddin, eight experts in their respective areas of specialisation are in attendance as keynote speakers and a total of 166 papers would be presented.
“I believe that through this conference, we can further enhance our efforts, particularly in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Borneo and contribute to the global discourse on heritage conservation.
“I am positively affirmed that the impact of this conference on the university cannot be understated, particularly in terms of research, publications, networking, and the visibility of our university on a global scale.
“The collaboration and exchange of ideas through experts in this particular field of heritage and cultural conservation will undoubtedly lead to ground-breaking research initiatives and publications,” he enthused.
He was confident that the knowledge and findings shared during this conference will not only serve as valuable resources for fellow researchers, but it will also pave the way for new discoveries and methodologies that will shape the future of heritage and cultural conservation.
This is, he stressed, in line with UTS’s aspiration of conducting research and development activities that will benefit the community as a whole.
Adding on, Khairuddin said the conference offers an unparalleled opportunity for global networking as scholars, practitioners, and enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds will come together to exchange ideas and establish collaborations.
He believed that these connections will foster a global network of experts in heritage and cultural conservation, creating positive impacts on the society.
“By hosting this international conference, UTS will also gain recognition as a leader in the field and attract attention from both academia and industry. This increased visibility will allow UTS to be recognised as a hub for cutting-edge research and cultural conservation, and will open doors for further collaborations, partnerships, and opportunities with local and international partners.
“INHERIT 2023 is a testament to our university’s commitment to excellence in research, preservation, and promotion of our cultural heritage. We anticipate that this conference will have a profound impact on UTS, not only in terms of heritage, publications, networking, and visibility but also in advancing the field of heritage and cultural conservation globally,” Khairuddin added.
The conference was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg who was represented by Minister in the Premier’s Department, Datuk John Sikie Tayai. Also present was Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek.
