‘Don’t let research gather dust’: Premier demands practical impact from Premier’s Chair Grant studies

Abang Johari (center) hands over one of 13 completed research studies at HIITS 2026 on Sept 23, 2026, where he urged State agencies to translate findings into actionable policy rather than letting them gather dust on shelves. Photo credit: Ukas

By Amanda L

KUCHING, Sept 24: Research funded under the Premier’s Chair Grant must be directly translated into tangible policies, technical standards and pilot projects rather than left to gather dust on office shelves, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Sarawak Land and Survey Innovation and Integrity Day (HIITS) 2026 on Wednesday (Sept 23), he emphasised that public investment in research must yield measurable real-world solutions for the state’s growth.

“I see this programme as an important investment in knowledge. But I want to stress one thing: research must not end merely as reports stored on shelves,” he said, calling for findings to be rigorously tested and integrated into government systems.

The directive follows the completion of 13 key research projects covering critical sectors, including mineral resources, land administration, marine vessel registration, climate change, flood management, urban infrastructure, tourism, and decision-support technology.

The reports were produced under a collaborative Satellite Laboratory initiative between the Sarawak Land and Survey Department (JTS) and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).

The Department’s director Datu Awang Zamhari Awang Mahmood noted that the studies were executed by state bodies and subject-matter experts to address complex operational challenges across departments.

The findings have been officially handed over to relevant ministries and agencies—including Sarawak Land and Survey Department, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development (MUDeNR), the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG), the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP), the Sarawak Agriculture Department, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), and the Kuching North City Commission (DBKU)—to help refine work processes and support long-term planning. — DayakDaily