MoU paves way for UTS, ICOMOS M’sia to collaborate in heritage conservation

SIBU (Aug 9): University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) achieved another milestone with the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) Malaysia yesterday.

The MoU was signed by UTS vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abd Hamid and deputy president of ICOMOS Malaysia Dr Mohd Zuhemlee in a ceremony witnessed by UTS deputy vice-chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Shahril Osman and Convenor of ICOMOS General Assembly 2026 Tiong Kian Boon.

According to Khairuddin, through the MoU, both parties aimed at promoting collaborations in the areas of heritage protection, conservation and management, knowledge sharing, education and international networking on the basis of reciprocity and mutual benefit of both parties in general.

“Through this collaboration also, we want to create a framework for the collaboration of both parties towards the planning and implementation of the ICOMOS General Assembly 2026,” he said.

The aim of the MoU is also to establish a partnership that will lead to enhancements in the capacity of both parties to heighten the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of cultural heritage protection, conservation and management.

Khairuddin said that UTS has been involved in conservation works at various part of Sarawak, reflecting the expertise that the university has.

“With this signing of the MoU, we are ready to collaborate to provide the staff and expertise and also promote the spirit of conservation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mohd Zuhemlee said UTS was highly recommended for them to establish the collaboration because of its wide knowledge especially in the indigenous subject.

He said Kuching was chosen to be the venue for the ICOMOS 2026 Assembly after winning the bid to host the event, and believed Kuching and Sarawak have something great to offer.

“When it comes to Malaysia, people only know Kuala Lumpur, but many of them do not know that there is the Borneo part of Malaysia. That is why we decided to bring these delegates to Kuching,” he said.

He also believed that the MoU gives the opportunity for UTS to network with the best conservation minds in the world.

“We plan to bring at least 2,000 delegates from overseas who have the expertise and knowledge in culture and preservation. This is also a good opportunity for UTS to promote what you have to offer, especially in the areas of indigenous knowledge and disaster management,” he said.