Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg (left) presenting the Chancellor's Award (non-technical category) to culinary arts graduate Amily Albert at the convocation. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: A new state-of-the-art campus will be developed for i-CATS University College at Trombol in Matang near here, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The Sarawak Premier said the state government had identified an 81ha site for the campus and was now in the process of acquiring it.
"The new campus will accommodate various academic disciplines, including new courses to produce a skilled workforce.
"It will be equipped with the latest technology and facilities for students," he told reporters after the Sarawak Skills and i-CATS convocation ceremony here on Tuesday (Aug 8).
Asked when construction would begin, Abang Johari said survey works and building plans had to be done first.
He also said i-CATS was looking into introducing a new course on maintenance for hydrogen and electric vehicles in line with Sarawak's transition towards renewable energy.
"This is a new engineering course and the university is studying the right model for this discipline.
"They might have to refer to Germany where this course is available," he said.
Established in 2002, i-CATS is currently located at Jalan Stampin Timur here and offers diploma, degree and postgraduate courses in six faculties.
It was previously reported that the new campus would cost RM200mil.
In his speech earlier, Abang Johari said the state government would increase bursaries and scholarships for Sarawakians pursuing further studies in state-owned higher learning institutions, including i-CATS.
He said education was one approach prioritised by the state in its efforts to increase household income.
"As Sarawak continues to explore new sectors such as the green economy and carbon trading, we need workers with the right skills and knowledge who can contribute to the state's economy in these areas," he said.
