KUCHING – The inaugural Swinburne Sarawak Industry-University-Community (IUC) Summit 2026 was held on 11 August 2026, bringing together the themes of research, innovation, collaboration and sustainable development in the context of Sarawak’s future.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian took part in the summit and shared his experience and views on the role of research and collaboration in supporting the state’s development.
Dr Sim said research had remained an important professional interest for him alongside his work in cardiology. He recalled being exposed to clinical research during his intensive care unit training at Alfred Hospital and later during his cardiology training at Monash Medical Centre in the 1990s.
He highlighted the importance of cooperation between different sectors in ensuring that research can produce meaningful results for society.
According to Dr Sim, universities, government agencies, businesses and communities can work together to identify challenges, develop solutions and improve people’s lives.
He also stressed that research should not be viewed solely as a means of generating new knowledge. In his view, its wider purpose includes creating value for individuals, communities and society.
For Sarawak, he linked this value creation to the state’s broader development aspirations and nation-building efforts.
The summit also provided an opportunity for Dr Sim to draw on experiences gained throughout his professional and political journey. He said these opportunities had allowed him to share practical experiences and perspectives on several areas connected to Sarawak’s development.
One of the areas highlighted was the importance of people in driving innovation. Rather than viewing innovation simply as a matter of technology or new ideas, the discussion placed emphasis on the people and partnerships needed to turn ideas into practical outcomes.
The relationship between industry, universities and communities was another key theme. Greater engagement between these groups can help connect research and innovation with real-world needs while creating opportunities for knowledge and expertise to be shared.
The summit also focused on Sarawak’s longer-term economic direction. Dr Sim discussed the state’s journey towards a knowledge-based economy and the importance of preparing for future opportunities through research, innovation, skills and collaboration.
Sustainable development was also identified as an area where cooperation between different sectors can play an important role. Collaboration between public institutions, academia, industry and communities can help address development challenges while considering longer-term social and economic needs.
Dr Sim further encouraged greater engagement and collaboration among stakeholders. The approach reflects the view that major development challenges cannot always be addressed effectively by a single organisation or sector working independently.
The themes discussed at the summit are closely connected to the wider role of higher education institutions in supporting research, innovation and engagement with society.
For Sarawak, stronger links between universities, industry, government and communities could contribute to the development of new ideas and solutions while supporting the state’s economic ambitions.
The IUC Summit also provided a platform for discussions on how different sectors can contribute to building Sarawak’s future. Such cooperation can help ensure that research and innovation are connected to practical needs and wider community interests.
Dr Sim concluded his participation by expressing his appreciation to Swinburne Sarawak for the opportunity to take part in the inaugural event.
“Thanks Swinburne Sarawak for the honored and privileged to participate in The Inaugural Swinburne Sarawak Industry-University-Community (IUC) Summit 2026”
The summit marks an effort to strengthen dialogue between industry, academia and the wider community, with research and collaboration positioned as important elements in Sarawak’s continuing development.
