Premier: Putrajaya greenlights setting up of aerospace faculty at I-Cats University College

KUCHING (July 27): The Sarawak government has received approval from the federal government to set up an aerospace faculty at i-Cats University College (I-Cats) with its first intake slated for Sept this year, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said the federal government, through the Ministry of Higher Education, has given the green light for the establishment of the faculty.

“We must have the approval from the Ministry of Education (to set up the faculty) so we got the approval.

“The faculty will commence its programme here in this campus in the upcoming semester in September. It will be a degree programme in aerospace,” he told reporters when met after launching the Sarawak Education Expo 2024 at i-Cats University College here today.

Earlier in his speech, Abang Johari expressed his gratitude as he was just informed the federal government had approved this matter.

“Now, Sarawakian students can learn about aerospace technology,” he said.

He elaborated on the importance of this initiative, emphasising the need for expertise in various components of aeronautics.

“If you look at an airplane, it has many components. Firstly, it must be able to fly — without wings, it cannot fly. Someone has to make the wings and body. However, even with wings and a body, it still needs navigation systems and fuel.

“We are developing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) through algae, which is abundant along the Sarawak coast. This is part of our move towards a green economy and hydrogen production,” he said.

Abang Johari highlighted these new disciplines and knowledge areas could transform Sarawak, leveraging its natural resources such as sunlight and carbon dioxide for producing SAF.

Regarding the new i-Cats University College campus in Trombol, he said a location has been identified not far from Telaga Air, Lundu and Sematan.

“The new campus will feature state-of-the-art facilities and labs to ensure we produce the right graduates for Sarawak’s advancement as a centre for modern learning,” he said.

The new campus project, estimated to cost nearly RM300 million, aims to provide the latest technology and infrastructure to support advanced education and research.

“We are committed to making this a centre of modern learning and embracing technology to enhance knowledge and skills,” he said.