Premier suggests UTC Laila Taib Campus collaborate with Turkey in marine technology engineering

MUKAH (Aug 13): Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has proposed for University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) Laila Taib Campus to collaborate with Turkey in marine technology engineering.

Such collaboration, he said, will help Sarawak to produce more experts in the field, adding the state was already collaborating with Turkey in the aerospace field.

“UTS Laila Taib Campus could be the only campus in the country offering marine engineering technology courses equipped with advanced facilities including a vessel navigation simulator.

“Such technology is used by Turkey and that is why I have proposed to the university to collaborate with Turkey.

“If that (collaboration) happens, it means we can have a joint programme with Turkey universities and UTS graduates can continue their studies at postgraduate level there,” he told a press conference during his working visit to the campus here today.

The campus will begin offering Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Marine course starting February next year.

Abang Johari also disclosed that Sarawak is planning to expand the use of chips particularly needed in remote sensing technology.

“We will discuss with semiconductor industry players to provide advanced training programmes for our students from basic marine engineering courses.

“This is for our students to further their studies in the field related to undersea geological data management for oil and gas exploration.

“We will offer a multi subject programme for us to produce experts in this field,” he said.

On another subject, Abang Johari said an initial allocation of RM100 million has been allocated for Mukah waterfront project expected to start next year after the completion of a new survey.

He said RM60 million has been set aside for the first phase of the project and another RM40 million for the second phase.

“The project which will involve recreation of the shores along the waterfront will change the landscape of Mukah.

“We have to redesign the project because we want to make sure it will not affect the settlement there,” he said.

Also present were UTS vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Khairuddin Ab Hamid, Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and federal Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib.