KUCHING: Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has been appointed as the second chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS), following an official announcement by UTS vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Khairuddin Ab. Hamid.
The appointment, effective from June 12 this year for a five-year term, was formalised during a courtesy call to Wan Junaidi at Astana Negeri Sarawak here today (June 13).
During the visit, attended by UTS’ chairman of the Board of Directors and Senior Management, Khairuddin expressed gratitude for the opportunity to present the chancellorship appointment to the Yang di-Pertua Negeri.
Since its establishment in April 2013, he said UTS has achieved significant milestones.
“Over 4,000 students have graduated, and there has been a substantial annual increase in student enrollment, especially among Bumiputera students in Sarawak, thanks to government incentives and support,” he told the media after the courtesy call.
On the same note, Khairuddin asserted that the establishment of UTS’ new campus, named Laila Taib Campus in Mukah, will serve as a catalyst for the maritime industry in Sarawak.
He expressed optimism that UTS would be able to support the maritime industry in Sarawak, emphasising that the new campus would also play a crucial role in developing the coastal town.
“In terms of job opportunities, we are proud that graduates are not only employed in the local industry but also outside Sarawak,” he added.
Additionally, UTS chairman of the Board of Directors Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee highlighted that the expansion of the university’s new campus would help boost the education sector in rural areas.
As such, the Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development said that the campus would enrol its first intake of students this year.
“Our focus at the campus will be on Maritime Studies, and we are preparing to enrol our first intake of students to begin their courses there,” he said.
Following this, Wan Junaidi also received a courtesy visit from the Consul General of Brunei Darussalam, Sheikh Abdul Mahdani Dato Paduka Sheikh Abdul Gani, and his delegation.
