The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) has expressed its readiness to approve Sarawak’s application to upgrade iCATS University College into a full-fledged university in the near future.
Higher Education Minister, Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir said the ministry fully supports the Sarawak Government’s initiative to strengthen the state’s higher education landscape and widen access to quality tertiary education.
He said there were no major obstacles in processing the application as iCATS already has its own campus facilities and has been operating as an established higher learning institution.
“From the Ministry of Higher Education’s perspective, we will assist in approving the state government’s application to upgrade iCATS from its current university college status.
“The institution is already operational and has its own campus, so there should be no issues in moving towards recognising it as a full university,” he said.
Zambry was speaking to reporters after attending the launch of the MySISWA@Job on Campus (MySISWA@JoC) programme involving Malaysian public universities at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS).
The minister’s statement follows Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s recent announcement on the state government’s strategic plan to elevate iCATS University College into a full university as part of efforts to strengthen local human capital development.
Zambry added that close cooperation between MOHE and the Sarawak Government would continue to ensure the institution’s transition process complied with all required academic evaluations, governance frameworks and regulatory standards.
He said the upgrade would further enhance Sarawak’s capacity to develop skilled graduates and support the state’s long-term economic and talent development agenda.
-EDUCATION TVET ASIA