KOTA SAMARAHAN: Sarawak continues to take measures to strengthen its position as an international research and innovation hub through the organisation of the SHInE 2026 International Conference scheduled to be held from 9 to 11 September in Kuching.

The conference, which is themed ‘Advancing Science, Health, Innovation and Engineering’, serves as a strategic platform to bring together experts, researchers, industry players and policymakers from home and abroad to discuss challenges and solutions in the fields of science, health and technology.

Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said that the organisation of SHInE 2026 reflects the state government's continued commitment in driving research excellence that has a practical impact on the development of Sarawak.

"This conference is not just a space for sharing knowledge, but a platform to build a network of collaboration that can produce real solutions to current challenges at the local and global levels," he said.

He said this at the first press conference of SHInE 2026 at the Sarawak Tropical Peatland Research Institute (TROPI), here, on Thursday.

According to him, over 300 participants are expected to attend the conference which will feature more than 30 expert speakers and 30 sessions covering various fields of expertise.

He said the participation of international speakers from the United Kingdom, Australia, Cambodia, Singapore and Taiwan also highlighted the global reach of the conference.

The conference, organised by the Sarawak Research and Development Council (SRDC) and the Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre (SIDC), also featured panel discussion sessions focusing on efforts to accelerate the development of sustainable technology and increase the impact of innovation in Sarawak.

In addition, participants also had the opportunity to participate in technical visits to the Sarawak Science Centre and SIDC, in addition to viewing technology exhibitions and presentations of the latest innovative products.

According to Dato Sri Roland Sagah, SHInE 2026 also places emphasis on the involvement of young people through the BrightSparX Programme organised by SRDC, including the organisation of the BrightSparX Premier Innovation Award to recognise creative and high-impact ideas among youth.

This effort is in line with the state government's aspiration to produce a generation of highly skilled successors who are capable of driving the knowledge-based economy agenda.

The conference also received the support of international strategic partners including Asia PGI and UKSEA Vax Hub, thus strengthening the global collaboration network in the field of science and innovation.

Also present were Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Francis Harden Hollis and other guests. -UKASnews