SARAWAK GOVT AND UM ESTABLISH ENDOWED CHAIR FOR NEW ECONOMY RESEARCH

KUCHING, April 23 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak Government and Universiti Malaya (UM) today signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to establish the Yang Amat Berhormat Premier Sarawak Endowed Chair, for new economy research.

The ceremony was officiated by Sarawak deputy state secretary (Economic and Economic Planning), Datuk Seri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, and UM vice-chancellor, Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman.

It was also witnessed by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, deputy premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, state secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, and deputy minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol.

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A statement issued in conjunction with the MoA said the Sarawak government has committed RM5 million to the establishment of the chair, which will be invested to generate returns in support of research, publications and services within the framework of the new economy and its regulatory landscape.

“The primary objective of the YAB Premier Sarawak Endowed Chair is to strengthen knowledge and expertise in the field of the new economy,” the statement read. 

The statement noted that the establishment of the Chair will focus on emerging economic frameworks and regulatory aspects that support economic growth and promote more progressive governance.

“As part of the initiative, a Special Committee will be formed to organise an annual lecture series titled the Yang Amat Berhormat Premier Sarawak Lecture, which will be held at a venue to be determined later,” it added.

Research conducted under the Chair will be published in reputable international journals and made accessible to the Sarawak government and its agencies, enabling the application of knowledge to policy formulation and strategic development planning.

The Chair also aims to support the state's economic growth by facilitating research and a deeper understanding of current economic policies.

“Key areas of focus include the Green Economy, Hydrogen Economy, healthcare biotechnology and Artificial Intelligence, all aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals,” the statement said.

-- BERNAMA