Pupils greet Abang Johari at the SCaT Fair at the HEEC in Kuching on Saturday. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (June 6): Sarawak’s i-CATS University College has officially been elevated to a full-fledged university after meeting all requirements set by the Ministry of Higher Education, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the Sarawak government had received confirmation that the federal government had approved the institution’s upgrade, marking another milestone in the state’s higher education landscape.
“We, the Sarawak government, have received the decision from the Ministry of Higher Education, where the federal government has decided to upgrade i-CATS, which has fulfilled the requirements to become a full-fledged university,” he told reporters after launching the Sarawak Career and Training Fair (SCaT Fair) at Hikmah Exchange Event Centre (HEEC) here.
Abang Johari said the recognition would further strengthen Sarawak’s higher education sector, with the state now owning two universities.
“Of course, it gives a boost to Sarawak because we have two universities owned by Sarawak, namely the University of Technology Sarawak in Sibu and now i-CATS University as a full-fledged university,” he said.
He noted that the institution’s focus on technology aligns with Sarawak’s development agenda, particularly with the establishment of a new aerospace faculty.
“As you know, we have just set up the new Faculty of Aerospace in that university. They already have lecturers working together with the Istanbul Technical University, Türkiye,” he said.
According to Abang Johari, the university is also collaborating with local institutions, including Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and has begun offering aerospace-related courses this semester.
“While at the same time they are working with other universities locally, including UKM. They are collaborating and they are offering courses already this semester on aerospace,” he added.
On the development of the university’s new campus in Trombol, Abang Johari said construction was progressing in phases, with an estimated cost of RM400 million.
“We are indeed developing a new campus in Trombol. That one will cost about RM400 million, but we are doing it in phases, including dormitories for the students,” he said.
Earlier in his speech during the SCaT Fair launch, Abang Johari described i-CATS’s elevation to a full-fledged university as a significant opportunity for Sarawak’s youth and future workforce.
“Now, with a full-fledged university, with a new campus in Trombol facing the sea, you have all these facilities.
“The next thing is just to pursue your ambition and realise your ambition for Sarawak’s future,” he said.
