KUCHING: The state government has made a significant contribution of RM5 million to Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) for research and development.
It made the contribution during the prestigious Royal Gala Dinner 2024 held at the Marriott Hotel, Putrajaya on Saturday (Oct 19).
The RM5 million contribution is aimed at R&D focused on green economy, mining, geospatial studies, remote sensing, marine cadastre, climate change, urban and regional planning, disaster management, membrane technology, and other sectors related to the JTS-UTM Satellite Lab collaboration.
“All these studies are specific to Sarawak and are expected to provide valuable input towards realising PCDS 2030,” the Land and Survey Department said in a statement on Sunday (Oct 20).
According to the press release, representing the state at the event was Permanent Secretary to the Natural Resources and Urban Development Ministry Datuk Abdullah Julaihi along with Land and Survey Sarawak director Awang Zamhari Awang Mahmood.
“The RM5 million replica cheque was presented by Abdullah to Higher Education Ministry secretary-general Prof Datuk Dr Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, witnessed by Her Majesty the Queen, Raja Zarith Sofiah,” it said.
Earlier, in his welcoming speech, Dr Ahmad expressed his deepest gratitude to the Sarawak government for the generous contribution and praised its commitment to utilising the latest technologies for sustainable physical and economic development.
The Royal Gala Dinner 2024 was held in honour of Her Majesty the Queen, Raja Zarith Sofiah, who is the Chancellor of UTM.
“The event aimed to recognise contributors to UTM’s R&D funding. The gala was also attended by Che’ Puan Mahkota Khaleeda Johor, UTM Pro-Chancellor Datuk Seri Ir Dr Zaini Ujang, UTM vice chancellor Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar, UTM’s board chairman;, and UTM’s board of directors members.
“The event also celebrated 39 contributing agencies, including state governments, professional boards, industries, alumni associations, banking institutions, and several commercial corporations that supported UTM throughout 2024.
“The total contributions raised through this platform amounted to RM6.4 million,” it said.
