MIRI – Sarawak has reinforced its role as a global leader in community-based research with the successful hosting of the Globesync Community Research and Sustainability Conference (GlobeCoReS) 2025 at Curtin University Malaysia.
The second edition of the international conference drew more than 1,000 participants, both in person and online, representing 35 countries. The event highlighted Sarawak’s growing influence in sustainability-focused research and its commitment to fostering collaborations that deliver tangible benefits to communities.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Datuk Dr. Annuar Rapa’ee, Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak, who represented Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, the Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development.
In his speech, Dato Sri Roland emphasised that research must go beyond academic outputs to create meaningful impact. “The value of knowledge is evident when it is translated into policies, innovations and actions that bring real change to the people,” he stated in the text delivered by Datuk Dr. Annuar.
He underscored that the government’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) requires research that is translational, pragmatic, and responsive to community needs. This approach, he said, ensures that Sarawak’s development remains sustainable and inclusive.
Curtin University Malaysia was commended for its role as a strategic partner in advancing Sarawak’s research ecosystem. The institution has been instrumental in driving community-based initiatives, fostering industry engagement, and building international collaborations that strengthen the state’s innovation landscape.
A major highlight of GlobeCoReS 2025 was the launch of the GlobeSync Consortium, a global network of institutions from Kazakhstan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The consortium aims to catalyse collaborative research in areas such as Indigenous communities, healthy ageing, wellbeing, health transformation, and social and environmental sustainability.
The establishment of this consortium marks a significant step in positioning Sarawak as a hub for impactful research that addresses pressing global challenges. By connecting regional expertise with international partners, the initiative is expected to generate solutions that benefit both local communities and the wider global society.
Observers note that Sarawak’s focus on community-driven research aligns with its broader ambition to become a knowledge-based economy. The state’s emphasis on inclusivity and sustainability reflects its determination to ensure that research outcomes are not confined to academic circles but are translated into real-world applications.
With GlobeCoReS gaining international recognition, Sarawak is steadily building momentum towards becoming a centre of excellence in community and sustainability research. The conference’s success demonstrates the state’s ability to convene global thought leaders and foster partnerships that drive innovation and social impact.
