KOTA SAMARAHAN: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) continues to take steps to strengthen its position as a higher education institution with global impact with the launch of the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan which emphasises the world's sustainability agenda based on Borneo's wisdom.

The new strategic plan introduces the I-D-E-A transformation framework encompassing 'Inspiring People, Driving Innovation, Enhancing Global Influence and Advancing Sustainability', in line with the university's aspiration to remain relevant on the international stage without neglecting local identity.

UNIMAS Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit stressed that the plan is the university's compass in facing the future challenges of higher education and the changing global landscape.

He said the university is not just an academic institution, but rather plays a role as a driver of regional and community development.

“This university is not just an isolated ivory tower, but rather a hub of knowledge and expertise that drives regional development and community well-being.

“Based on the principle of Borneo Rooted: Global Impact, we are committed to building an educational ecosystem that produces graduates who are critical thinkers, balanced in spirit and have a love for the homeland and universal humanity,” he said during his speech at the Vice-Chancellor’s 2026 Mandate Ceremony held at the Gemilang Arena DeTAR UNIMAS, here on Friday.

The launch of the strategic plan was officiated by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Sulong Matjeraie.

Throughout 2025, the university recorded various proud achievements including an increase in its position in THE Impact Rankings 2025 to the top 101–200 in the world, in addition to emerging as the first public university in Malaysia to publish a comprehensive Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report.

Research excellence was also highlighted when seven of the university’s researchers were listed in the top two percent of experts in the world, in addition to the establishment of the first Faculty of Law in Sarawak which is scheduled to begin student intake in the 2026/2027 session.

The university also gained international recognition when it received the Grand Award at the Malaysia International HR Awards 2025 in addition to winning several awards for excellence in human resource management.

For 2026, several key initiatives will be implemented including the development of the ‘SmartFlex Ecosystem’ which focuses on the fields of sustainability, gerontology and indigenous knowledge, in addition to the establishment of the ‘Global Futures Transdisciplinary Institute’ with two new research centres in the fields of bioinnovation and archaeological heritage.

Digital transformation is also being strengthened through the SYNTERA application to improve the efficiency of data-based student service delivery, in addition to the expansion of student welfare through SULUNG 2.0+ and Dapur Siswa Madani.

Also present were UNIMAS Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International) Professor Dr Fitri Suraya Mohamad Hapni Joblie, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Ir Dr Siti Noor Linda Taib, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Ir Dr Siti Noor Linda Taib, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) and Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) Professor Ir Ts Dr Al-Khalid Othman, Lecturer and Researcher of the Faculty of Resource Science and Technology (FSTS) Professor Dr Ramlah Zainudin and Member of the University Board of Directors (Private Representative) Datu Ik Pahon Joyik. -UKASnews

Translator: Ryan Lim