UTS and Icomos Malaysia ink MoU to enhance heritage conservation efforts

SIBU: The University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Council on Monuments and Sites (Icomos) Malaysia.

According to UTS vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abdul Hamid, the MoU aims to promote collaborations between both parties in the areas of heritage protection, conservation and management, knowledge sharing, education, and international networking on the basis of reciprocity and mutual benefit.

“Through this collaboration, we want to create a framework for the collaboration of both parties towards the planning and implementation of the Icomos General Assembly in 2026.

“The MoU also aims to establish a partnership that will lead to enhancements in the capacity of both parties to heighten the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of cultural heritage protection, conservation, and management,” he said.

He said this in his speech at the MoU signing ceremony at the UTS senate room here on Thursday (Aug 8).

He added that UTS has been involved in conservation work in various parts of Sarawak, thus reflecting the expertise that UTS has.

“With this signing of the MoU, we are ready to collaborate to provide the staff and expertise and also promote the spirit of conservation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Icomos Malaysia deputy president Dr Mohd Zuhemlee said UTS was highly recommended for them to establish the collaboration because of its extensive knowledge, especially in indigenous subjects.

“Kuching was chosen to be the venue for the Icomos 2026 Assembly after winning the bid to host the event in 2026 because we believe Kuching and Sarawak have something great to offer.

“When it comes to Malaysia, people only know Kuala Lumpur, but many of them do not know that there is a Borneo part of Malaysia. That is why we decided to bring these delegates to Kuching,” he said.

He also believed that through the signing of the MoU, it gives UTS the opportunity to network with the best conservation minds in the world.

Also present were UTS deputy vice-chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Shahril Osman and convenor of Icomos General Assembly 2026, Tiong Kian Boon.