UNIMAS banks on innovation, sustainability in pursuit of global status

KUCHING (April 7): Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) is entering a new phase of growth after completing a transformative five-year strategic cycle, setting its sights on 2030 with a stronger focus on innovation, sustainability, and global impact.

As the university charts this next chapter, it will bring its evolving direction and academic offerings directly to prospective students at Karnival Jom Masuk U (JMU) 2026—a key national platform for higher education outreach.

The Sarawak Zone II edition of the carnival will be held on April 25 and 26 at Dewan Canselor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud, University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) in Sibu, featuring 55 booths from higher education institutions and agencies.

The event is designed to provide students and families with direct access to information on academic programmes, admissions pathways and financial assistance.

As a collaborating partner, UNIMAS sees JMU 2026 as more than a recruitment exercise, but an important platform to translate higher education policies into access, aspiration, and informed decision-making, particularly for students in Sarawak’s central and interior regions.

UNIMAS vice-chancellor Prof Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit said the university’s current direction reflects a broader ambition to reshape how it educates, conducts research and engages with society.

“Our vision is to build a global university for a sustainable future,” he said, adding that UNIMAS aims to produce graduates who are not only academically competent but also capable of contributing meaningfully as nation builders.

Building on a transformative five-year milestone

The completion of UNIMAS’ 2021-2025 strategic plan marks a defining period for the university, characterised by a strong push towards global recognition, sustainability leadership, and academic expansion.

Over the past five years, UNIMAS has repositioned itself in line with global benchmarks, particularly in the areas of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), digital transformation, and research excellence.

Among its key achievements, the university emerged as a national digital leader, securing first place for Best Institute of Higher Learning (IHL) 2025 from the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), reflecting its strength in digital entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence integration.

In sustainability, UNIMAS has taken a pioneering role as an ESG trailblazer, becoming the first public university in Malaysia to publish a comprehensive ESG report and implement a university-wide ESG policy.

This commitment has translated into stronger global recognition, with UNIMAS improving its sustainability impact ranking from the 200-300 range to around the top 100.

“These developments show that our commitment to sustainability is not just a statement, but something we are delivering,” said Ahmad Hata.

UNIMAS has also strengthened its global standing through its appointment as the United Nations Academic Impact Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 15 Hub Vice-Chair for Outreach and Partnership (2025-2027), placing the university at the forefront of international efforts in biodiversity and ‘Life on Land’ initiatives.

Academically, the university expanded its footprint with the establishment of the Faculty of Built Environment, its 10th faculty, as well as the Faculty of Law—the first of its kind in Sarawak—further enhancing access to specialised fields of study in the region.

In research, UNIMAS continues to gain international recognition, with seven of its researchers ranked among the top 2 per cent of scientists globally, while the university remains within the top two per cent of universities in Asia.

These achievements form a strong foundation as UNIMAS  moves into its next phase—one that prospective students will be able to explore further at JMU 2026.

IDEA framework guiding the future

At the core of UNIMAS’ next phase is the IDEA framework, a four-pillar approach that shapes how the university designs its teaching, research and institutional development.

The pillars—Inspiring People, Driving Innovation, Enhancing Global Influence, and Advancing Sustainability—form the foundation of the UNIMAS Diamond Strategic Plan 2026-2030, ensuring that all initiatives are aligned and mutually reinforcing.

Rather than operating as separate priorities, the pillars are integrated across seven strategic focus areas and 42 key result targets, aligned with the Ministry of Higher Education’s Rancangan Pendidikan Tinggi Malaysia (RPTM) 2026-2035.

Ahmad Hata said the framework reflects a deliberate shift away from silo-based approaches towards a more collaborative and impact-driven model.

“We want everyone—students, staff, and partners—to work collaboratively towards bigger goals. These pillars ensure that we are moving in the same direction,” he said.

Under the ‘Inspiring People’ pillar, the university aims to cultivate future-ready graduates guided by values, resilience and a strong sense of responsibility.

‘Driving Innovation’ focuses on research that delivers real-world impact, influencing policy, industry practices and community outcomes, while ‘Enhancing Global Influence’ reflects UNIMAS’ expanding international network, connecting students and researchers to broader global opportunities.

‘Advancing Sustainability’ ensures that all university activities are aligned with environmental, social and economic priorities.

Ahmad Hata added that the ‘diamond’ concept symbolises resilience.

“To build a diamond, you need pressure. Our graduates must be resilient and able to face future challenges,” he said.

Shaping future-ready graduates towards 2030

Looking ahead, UNIMAS is placing strong emphasis on producing future-ready graduates through a more dynamic, industry-connected and values-driven learning model.

Under its evolving life-wide transformative education approach, learning extends beyond lecture halls into real-world environments, including industries, communities and global networks.

“We want students to learn beyond the classroom. They must be exposed early to real working environments so that their knowledge is relevant to their future careers,” said Ahmad Hata.

He added that this reflects the university’s move towards transdisciplinary education, where students are equipped to address complex, real-world challenges across disciplines.

By integrating academic knowledge with practical exposure, UNIMAS aims to produce graduates who are adaptable, resilient and capable of navigating an increasingly interconnected world.

As part of its roadmap towards 2030, the university is strengthening its focus on research impact, global engagement and sustainability, aligning education with emerging societal needs such as ageing populations, environmental challenges and community development.

At the same time, UNIMAS is advancing its digital transformation agenda, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance learning, research and administrative efficiency.

However, Ahmad Hata emphasised that technology must be applied responsibly.

“AI should support learning, not replace thinking. Students must still analyse, verify and take ownership of their work,” he said, adding the university is undergoing a broader transformation.

“We are no longer looking at a traditional university model. We are transforming into a university that is connected to industry, community and the global ecosystem.”

More than a recruitment platform

Against this backdrop, UNIMAS’ participation in JMU 2026 reflects more than student recruitment.

It represents the university’s role within a broader higher education pipeline, where access and informed choice lead to education, research, innovation and ultimately, meaningful contribution to society.

For prospective students and families, the carnival offers an opportunity to explore pathways and make informed decisions about their future.

This edition of JMU also features a community-facing component, with local participation integrated through booths and activities supported by UNIMAS, further strengthening engagement beyond the education space.

For UNIMAS, it is a platform to demonstrate how its past achievements and future ambitions come together in shaping graduates who are prepared not just for employment, but for impact—in Sarawak, across Borneo, and beyond.