Proposed Digital Centres of Excellence at Sarawak-owned varsities gets the thumbs-up

KUCHING: The Ministry of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development (MEITD) likes the idea of setting up Digital Centres of Excellence in Sarawak-owned universities.

Its Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said while the proposal has received positive feedback, a final decision has yet to be made.

Sagah arrives at Kampung Bintawa Sungai Barie for the Gawai Dayak Carnival and Kumang Gawai Siburan Competition 2024. Photo: UKAS

“The extension of these centres to all universities in Sarawak has not been thoroughly discussed following the initial announcement by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Curtin Malaysia Miri last Saturday.

“As this is a new idea from the Premier, I cannot give a definitive answer at this moment.

“However, like many others, I hope this initiative will be implemented,” he said when met during the opening ceremony of the new hall at Kampung Bintawa Sungai Barie here in conjunction with the Gawai Dayak Carnival and Kumang Gawai Siburan Competition 2024 recently.

Recently, the Sarawak government has approved a RM25 million allocation for Curtin Malaysia Miri to set up a Digital Centre of Excellence.

The Premier said the initiative aims to attract students to pursue their studies at the university.

On another development, Sagah said there are future plans to upgrade the newly upgraded hall at Kampung Bintawa Sungai Barie to enhance its facilities and infrastructure.

“The new hall, completed this year at a cost of RM300,000 through the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) requires further assessment to determine the costs needed for additional upgrades.

“While these enhancements are unlikely to occur this year, we anticipate moving forward with them next year,” he said.

Earlier, Kampung Sungai Barie Penghulu Ambrose Budet Jabu said there are plans to host a larger-scale Gawai Dayak carnival next year.

This year’s carnival from June 28 to 30 featured a variety of activities organised by Kampung Sungai Barie community in collaboration with Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (SABERKAS) and the Kampung Sungai Barie Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT).