Swinburne Sarawak, Brooke Heritage Trust collaborate for heritage preservation and research

KUCHING: The signing of a Letter of Agreement (LoA) between Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak and the Brooke Heritage Trust and Museum marks an important milestone, paving the way for collaborative efforts in research and internships.

Chairman Jason Desmond Anthony Brooke expressed optimism that the collaboration would stimulate interest in research areas, particularly in preserving Sarawak’s heritage, history, and culture. 

“This includes finding new ways that include technology in preserving heritage and anthropology that is beneficial for Sarawak,” he said during the LoA signing ceremony here on Friday (Dec 1).

Brooke (left) and Prof Lau (right) shaking hands at the LoA signing ceremony. Photo by Alverdtedkoster Anyap.

Additionally, the Brooke Heritage Trust committed to providing a research scholarship amounting to RM162,000. This scholarship will support one PhD scholar and two Master’s by Research Scholars, focusing on projects such as employing scanning technology to record Sarawak’s built heritage and developing the Borneo Archive.

The collaboration between the Brooke Heritage Trust and Swinburne Sarawak commenced on Sept 18, 2018, with the signing of a previous LoA. This earlier agreement aimed to provide bursary awards to students pursuing a Master of Arts (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) program, covering 50 per cent of the tuition fees.

Brooke (fourth from left) and Prof Lau (right) with Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) Prof Dr Ida Fatimawati Adi Badiozaman (second from right) and Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Ir Prof Sim Kwan Yong (third from right). Photo by Alverdtedkoster Anyap.

The new LoA reinforces the commitment of both parties to support Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students and engage in research collaborations focused on heritage preservation through technology and the history of Sarawak. 

Pro Vice-Chancellor and CEO of Swinburne Sarawak, Ir Professor Lau Hieng Ho, joined Brooke in signing the agreement, emphasising Swinburne’s dedication to offering learners real industry experience through partnerships with leading organisations.