KUCHING – Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar received a courtesy visit from a delegation from the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) at the Sarawak Astana in Petra Jaya on 19 August 2026.
The delegation was led by UTS Vice-Chancellor YBhg. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr Mohammad Shahril Osman, who was accompanied by his wife, Puan Norhayani Ismail.
Also present were UTS Bursar Dr Rabuan Mantine, Head of the Academic Affairs and Registration Department Puan Aspa’ Aida Mohamad, Head of Marketing and Student Recruitment (Kuching) Lau Wee Ming, and Head of the UTS Corporate Department Mohd Ian Daim Mahmud.
The courtesy call marked Prof. Mohammad Shahril’s first such visit to the Governor since his appointment as UTS Vice-Chancellor on 9 July 2026.
He succeeded Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abdul Hamid, who completed his tenure after serving as the university’s vice-chancellor.
During the meeting, the UTS delegation briefed the Governor on the university’s latest initiatives and activities. The engagement also provided an opportunity to discuss developments concerning higher education and its contribution to Sarawak’s long-term growth.
Wan Junaidi shared his views and experiences during the meeting, with discussions touching on issues related to the development of education in the state.
The exchange also focused on the importance of supporting education that is sustainable and inclusive, reflecting the wider role of higher education institutions in preparing graduates for changing economic and social needs.
UTS also took the opportunity to formally invite Wan Junaidi, in his capacity as the university’s Chancellor, to officiate at the institution’s 11th convocation ceremony.
The convocation is scheduled to take place on 14 and 15 November 2026 at the Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud Chancellor Hall on the UTS campus in Sibu.
The invitation comes as the university prepares to recognise graduates from its various academic programmes. The annual convocation represents an important occasion for the institution as students complete their studies and move into further education or professional careers.
During the courtesy visit, Wan Junaidi expressed his appreciation for the invitation and congratulated UTS on its continued progress.
He also acknowledged the university’s role in producing graduates who can compete at both state and international levels.
The meeting brought together representatives of the state and university leadership at a time when higher education continues to play an important role in supporting Sarawak’s development priorities.
For UTS, the engagement also provided an opportunity for its newly appointed vice-chancellor to establish a formal connection with the Governor and provide an update on the university’s ongoing work.
The visit concluded with the formal invitation for the upcoming convocation and an exchange of views on the continued development of education in Sarawak.
