Outstanding graduate students get Unimas scholarships

KUCHING: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) recently granted its coveted Zamalah Graduate Scholarship to 22 outstanding graduate students, 19 of them local, in support of their continuing pursuit of academic excellence. 
 
The ceremony was officiated by Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit.
 
Initiated in 2003, the Zamalah Graduate Scholarship stands as a cornerstone of the university’s commitment to nurturing human capital. 
 
With a track record of supporting 915 students thus far, comprising 756 locals and 159 foreigners, the scholarship continues to empower promising scholars pursuing master’s and doctoral studies.
 
“This scholarship is established with the aim of providing financial assistance in the form of monthly allowances or exemption from tuition fees, with the hope of producing skilled and specialised graduates towards developing responsive and competent human capital, as well as contributing to the enhancement of research quality at the university, national, and international levels,” said Unimas in a statement. 
 
Aligned with its research focal points, which encompass biodiversity and environmental conservation, information communication and creative technology, and sustainable community development, the Zamalah Graduate Scholarship applications are open biannually in January and July. 
 
This initiative enables aspiring researchers to contribute to Unimas’ niche areas.
 
For the 2024 cycle, Unimas has allocated RM430,000 through its Graduate Studies Centre (PPS) to fund Zamalah scholarships, catering to graduate students engaged in research endeavours at both master’s and doctoral levels.
 
Beyond its financial support, Unimas said the scholarship indirectly bolsters its research output by facilitating publications, intellectual property development, and potential commercial ventures. 
 
Unimas also offers a plethora of research funding opportunities, spanning the public, industrial and international sectors.
 
Looking ahead, Unimas is poised to enhance its scholarship programme further, earmarking an additional RM5 million starting in 2025 to incentivise research excellence among scholarship recipients. 
 
“The evolution of global technological advancements is occurring at a rapid pace. What was once deemed impossible in the past can swiftly become a reality. 
 
“Technological developments such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and big data have transformed human lifestyles. 
 
“In conducting research, universities aspire for students to seize the opportunities provided to the best of their abilities while simultaneously adhering to commendable research ethics in producing research outputs,” it said.