S’wak Digital Economy Corp, Melbourne University ink MoU to support R&D under Centre of Excellence

Prof Thas Nirmalathas (left) and Sudarnoto Osman showing the MoU documents at University of Melbourne, Australia on Aug 7, 2024. Photo credit: SDEC

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Aug 12: Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology (FEIT) in collaboration efforts to support research and development (R&D) under the Centre of Excellence for Digital Economy (CoE).

According to a press release, the MoU signed during SDEC’s visit to the University on Aug 7 included valuable networking opportunities with FEIT academics, whose research expertise aligned with the CoE KeyLabs initiative, which SDEC manages.

This partnership will drive collaborative research and talent development, supporting the CoE—a hub for researchers, startups, universities, and tech partners from within the wider Sarawak Digital and Innovation Ecosystem to advance the research, design, and commercialisation of digital sector products.

Leveraging the University’s research and innovation expertise in areas such as digital health, cyber security, AI, and digital transformation of the building industry, the MoU also aims to facilitate the adoption of innovative partnership models and the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

FEIT Interim Dean Professor Thas Nirmalathas emphasised the faculty’s dedication to promoting innovative research and strategic partnerships.

“FEIT is excited to partner with SDEC to advance a data-driven future. This MoU highlights our commitment to pioneering research and nurturing global talent.

“Together, we aim to support the development of Fourth Industry Revolution (Industry 4.0) initiatives in Sarawak and beyond,” he was quoted saying.

Meanwhile, SDEC chief executive officer (CEO) Sudarnoto Osman echoed the excitement.

“We expect this partnership to be a game-changer in catalysing a huge exchange of ideas, expertise, and digital solutions between Australia and Sarawak.

“Guided by our Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, SDEC and our CoE partners look forward to working closely with the faculty to spur digital innovation back home,” he reportedly said.

Malaysia’s Sarawak delegation included representatives from SDEC, Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS). — DayakDaily