SIBU: Anyone who sets foot in Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS) here, for the first time will be amazed by its beauty, unique architecture and beautiful landscape.
Its modern, futuristic design amid lush greenery was so captivating that this Bernama reporter who was taken on a tour of the recently approved full-pledged university, was filled with awe and could not help wishing to be a student again.
Among the interesting features are the oculus structures (round or eye-like design) at several main buildings around the campus and the rainforest canopies with rays of sunlight shining through to reach the lower layers of the forest.
The rainwater harvesting system, located smack in the centre of the state-owned university, allows rainwater to be reused for cleaning and watering plants.
Another striking feature is the circular pool of water which is clearly visible on entering the UTS main gate, designed to pay tribute to Sungai Rejang the longest river in Malaysia, which has made this stunning site a favourite spot for pre-wedding photography.
It is no wonder that the university, which was established on April 1, 2013 and formerly known as Sarawak Technology University College (UCTS), was the first university in Malaysia to be awarded the Green Building Index (GBI) Platinum award.
UTS vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abdul Hamid said the construction of the university was the brainchild of Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud also UTS chancellor, who wanted a futuristically designed campus with an intent to reflect the town of Sibu.
“Sibu is small and not well-known, and if you build an ordinary university it will just be another university so he (Tun Abdul Taib) came up with this futuristic, modern and contemporary design.
“This was to make the campus a public attraction but at the same time the greenery and natural environment must be retained,” he told Bernama.
He said UTS is also installed with the latest technologies including double glazed glass panels to keep heat out with consideration to limit energy consumption, apart from generating solar power.
He explained that the first phase of the university construction was completed in 2013 at a cost of almost RM1 billion which covered the construction of the main campus while the second phase was completed in 2019 at a cost of RM250 million which included the construction of a surau, parking complex and two dormitory blocks.
UTS, which offers courses in technology and technical fields for industrial needs, currently has over 1,000 students and is targeting an enrollment of another 4,000 students over the next two years.
Earlier, Khairuddin said UTS was also named one of the seven most beautiful campuses in Malaysia by Tatler Malaysia magazine, and had attracted the interest of social media users who were impressed by the architectural marvel of this educational institution. – Bernama
