KUCHING: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) has signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with Asteel Resources Sdn Bhd (Asteel), and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Craun Research Sdn Bhd (Craun).
The agreement with Asteel is about the Insect Repellent Paint Project (IRPP) aimed at producing paint formulations extracts from local sources that have anti-insect properties focused on mosquitoes.
“The potential demand for this product has attracted Asteel’s interest in involving Unimas researchers to produce paints that have benefits in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including the wellbeing of healthy communities as in SDG3, creating job opportunities as in SDG8 as well as supporting research and innovation as in SDG9,” said Unimas on yesterday (Nov 24).
Meanwhile, the agreement with Craun aimed to promote and strengthen the development of cooperation on the basis of mutual benefit covering activities agreed by both parties.
Through this MoU, both parties could strengthen cooperation to produce more products based on sago and its waste, in addition to solving the agricultural challenges faced by smallholders, the main producers of sago in Sarawak.
“Futhermore, sago is an important commodity in Sarawak, having commercial potential not only for food needs, but also as an adhesive, fertilizer and bio-plastic.”
The MoA was signed by Asteel managing director Datuk Sri Victor Hii, and Unimas vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi, in the presence of Asteel executive director Datuk Ir Michael Hii, and Faculty of Engineering dean Professor Ir Dr Siti Noor Linda Taib.
The MoU was signed by Craun chief executive officer Zaidell Hussaini and Prof Mohamad Kadim in the presence of Craun Downstream Technology Division head Dr Nurleyna Yunus, and Prof Siti Noor.
