SIBU – The Symposium on Recent Innovations for Sustainable Development (RISD 2025) has emerged as a significant platform for advancing sustainable innovation in the region, drawing together experts from academia, industry, and government agencies.
Hosted by Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS), the event underscored Sarawak’s growing role in shaping solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Held at the Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud Chancellor Hall in Sibu from 18 to 19 November, the symposium showcased new technologies and research breakthroughs aimed at addressing pressing environmental and infrastructure challenges.
The gathering attracted participants from Sarawak, Brunei, Singapore, and leading Malaysian institutions including Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS).
UTS Vice-Chancellor Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr Khairuddin Ab Hamid highlighted the symposium’s role as more than a research showcase.
He described it as a strategic meeting ground where regional thinkers and practitioners collaborate to bridge academic knowledge with industry needs.
“The presence of experts from Tenaga Nasional Berhad, Sunway and international speakers proves that this symposium is not limited to academic interactions alone, but becomes a bridge that connects university research with industry needs,” he said during the opening ceremony.
The event also emphasised Sarawak’s infrastructure ambitions. Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) Director Datu Ir Ts Dr Cassidy Moris noted that RISD 2025 provided an invaluable opportunity to exchange knowledge on sustainable infrastructure practices.
He explained that JKR’s participation reflects the state’s commitment to integrating advanced technologies into future development projects, reinforcing Sarawak’s vision of becoming a well-developed state by 2030.
The symposium featured contributions from senior UTS leaders, including Professor Ir Ts Dr Mohammad Shahril Osman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Associate Professor Ts Dr Dayang Siti Hazimmah Ali, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, and Professor Dr Mohd Zainal Munshid Harun, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies.
The organising committee was led by Associate Professor Ir Dr Ling Jen Hua, who coordinated both physical and online participation.
Observers noted that RISD 2025 reflects a broader trend of regional collaboration in sustainable development.
By combining academic expertise with industry perspectives, the symposium is expected to catalyse new partnerships and innovations that will benefit Sarawak and neighbouring regions.
With sustainability challenges becoming increasingly complex, RISD 2025 has positioned itself as a catalyst for long-term cooperation, ensuring that Sarawak remains at the forefront of sustainable innovation in Southeast Asia.
