KUCHING – Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg received a farewell courtesy visit from Datuk Prof Emeritus Dr Khairuddin Ab Hamid, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS), on 30 March 2026.
The meeting was held at the Premier’s office and marked the conclusion of Dr Khairuddin’s tenure as the university’s chief executive.
Dr Khairuddin was accompanied by his wife, Datin Dayang Mariani Abg Zain, during the visit. Also present was the Premier’s daughter, Puan Dayang Norjihan, who joined the occasion.
UTS, based in Sibu, is wholly owned by the Sarawak Government and has played a pivotal role in advancing higher education in the state.
Under Dr Khairuddin’s leadership, the university has expanded its academic offerings and strengthened its focus on technology and innovation.
His tenure is widely recognised for contributing to Sarawak’s ambition of becoming a hub for knowledge, research, and technological development.
Throughout his service, Dr Khairuddin championed initiatives that enhanced the university’s reputation and positioned UTS as a key institution in nurturing talent for Sarawak’s future workforce.
His efforts have been credited with fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government, ensuring that graduates are equipped with skills relevant to the state’s economic growth.
The farewell visit symbolised appreciation for his contributions and highlighted the Premier’s support for UTS as a strategic institution in Sarawak’s education landscape.
The Premier acknowledged the university’s role in driving innovation and emphasised the importance of continuing to strengthen higher education to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy.
Observers note that UTS has become increasingly significant in Sarawak’s development agenda, particularly in areas such as digital transformation, sustainable industries, and community empowerment.
The leadership of Dr Khairuddin has been instrumental in aligning the university’s vision with the state’s broader goals.
As his term concludes, the visit served as both a gesture of gratitude and a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to supporting UTS in its next phase of growth.
The Premier’s engagement reflects the state’s recognition of education as a cornerstone of progress and innovation in Sarawak.
