i-CATS granted full university status

KUCHING : i-CATS University College has officially been granted full university status, with the new name to be announced by the Sarawak government.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the approval takes effect immediately, allowing the institution to operate as a full-fledged university.

He said the recognition is part of the federal government’s continued support for Sarawak’s efforts to strengthen higher education and develop its human capital.

“The university is already operating, but with its new status, we hope it will be able to expand the programmes offered.

“The Higher Education Ministry will also provide support for these programmes,” he told reporters today (Oct 20).

He said this after paying a courtesy call on Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at his office at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) complex here.

The visit also saw the presentation of the letter recognising i-CATS’ full university status.

Zambry said the ministry would work closely with the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) to facilitate the introduction of new programmes, particularly in high-technology and engineering fields.

He said the Premier had expressed his intention for the university to offer courses aligned with Sarawak’s industrial development needs.

“There are industries that require 500 engineers, while others need another 500.

“We hope the higher education ecosystem in Sarawak will help meet these needs and support the state’s development,” he said.

Zambry also disclosed that plans for a new campus are in the pipeline.

Meanwhile, he said the ministry had approved Universiti Malaysia Sarawak’s (UNIMAS) proposed law programme despite an existing moratorium, taking into account the need for more legal professionals in Sarawak and Sabah.

He added that the proposed establishment of a Fudan University research centre in Sarawak had also received approval in principle in February this year.