SIBU: In response to the increasing number of students at the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), the institution has announced plans to expand its staff capacity in both academic and non-academic positions.
Vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abdul Hamid stated that interviews would be conducted in the coming weeks to facilitate this recruitment process.
“The number of staff members hired will be determined by specific needs, such as an influx of students in the foundation programme.
“In such cases, three or four lecturers and one or two support staff will be appointed. Similar considerations will be made for other programmes based on their respective requirements.
“On average, each programme may require approximately three or four additional staff members to accommodate the growing student population. Overall, UTS plans to hire approximately 20 new staff members,” he pointed out.
Prof Khairuddin shared this information during the Raya and Pra Gawai gathering at the UTS campus on today (May 18).
He further elaborated on the rise in student numbers, mentioning that the previous intake in 2022 saw around 1,900 new students admitted, a significant increase compared to approximately 600 students admitted the previous year in 2021.
Anticipating a minimum of about 500 new students enrolling after the release of the SPM results, Prof Khairuddin emphasised that this projection was solely for the foundation programme, with additional admissions expected in September.
UTS is also considering plans to increase the number of student dormitories. “Although the university has presented this proposal to the board of directors, it is still in the planning stage and will require further time for implementation.”
