Strategic collaboration to drive digital transformation in Sarawak

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KUCHING, 7 AUGUST 2024 – The University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology (FEIT) has partnered with Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), Malaysia, a government-owned company driving digital transformation and economic growth in Sarawak through strategic initiatives in digital technology, innovation and research.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed during SDEC’s visit to the University on Wednesday, which included valuable networking opportunities with FEIT academics, whose research expertise aligned with the Centre of Excellence for Digital Economy (CoE) KeyLabs initiative which is managed by SDEC.

Professor Thas Nirmalathas (left) and Ir. Sudarnoto Osman.

This partnership will drive collaborative research and talent development, supporting the  CoE – a hub for researchers, startups, universities, and tech partners, from within the wider Sarawak Digital and Innovation Ecosystem, to advance research, design and commercialisation of digital sector products.

Leveraging the University’s research and innovation expertise in areas such as digital health, cyber security, AI, and digital transformation of the building industry, the MOU also aims to facilitate the adoption of innovative partnership models and the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

FEIT Interim Dean Professor Thas Nirmalathas emphasised the Faculty’s dedication to promoting innovative research and strategic partnerships.

“FEIT is excited to partner with SDEC to advance a data-driven future. This MOU highlights our commitment to pioneering research and nurturing global talent. Together, we aim to support the development of Industry 4.0 initiatives in Sarawak and beyond,” Professor Nirmalathas said.

CEO of Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation Ir Sudarnoto Osman echoed the excitement.

“We expect this partnership to be a game-changer in catalysing a huge exchange of ideas, expertise, and digital solutions between Australia and Sarawak. Guided by our Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, SDEC and our CoE partners look forward to working closely with the faculty to spur digital innovation back home,” Ir Osman said.

The Sarawak Malaysia delegation visit included SDEC, Sarawak Multimedia Authority, University of Technology Sarawak, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak.