KUCHING: i-CATS University College has officially been recognised as a full-fledged university after fulfilling the requirements set by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), further strengthening Sarawak’s higher education landscape.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, said the Sarawak Government had received confirmation from the Federal Government through MOHE regarding the recognition.

He said the achievement marked a significant milestone in efforts to enhance the state’s higher education sector while reinforcing Sarawak’s position as a hub for the development of highly skilled human capital.

“We (the Sarawak Government) have received the decision from MOHE, whereby the Federal Government has approved the upgrading of i-CATS after it fulfilled the requirements to attain full university status.

“This will certainly provide a boost to Sarawak, as we now have two Sarawak-owned universities, including University of Technology Sarawak in Sibu,” he said.

He said this when met by reporters after officiating at the launch of the Sarawak Career and Training (SCaT) Fair 2026 at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre here on Saturday.

Elaborating further, he said the recognition was in line with the development of the university’s new campus in Trombol, which will be equipped with various modern facilities, including learning facilities for aerospace studies.

According to him, the campus development project is estimated to cost approximately RM400 million and will be implemented in phases.

“We are indeed developing a new campus in Trombol at an estimated cost of about RM400 million, but the project will be carried out in phases, including the construction of student hostels,” he added.

In a related development, the Sarawak Premier also revealed that the university has established academic collaborations with Istanbul Technical University and National University of Malaysia, particularly in the field of aerospace studies. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Jonnie Kiew
Photos: Muhammad Rais Sanusi
Translator: Uilson Ng