SIBU – Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) and Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support the development of the Aged-Friendly City Initiative (AFCI), as the local authority continues efforts to make the town more inclusive and accessible to residents of different age groups.
The agreement, signed on 2 November 2026, establishes a framework for collaboration between the municipal council and the local university, with an emphasis on research, knowledge-sharing and community-based solutions to support Sibu’s urban development.
The MoU was signed by SMC Chairman Cr Clarence Ting Ing Horh and UTS Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohammad Shahril bin Osman.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by SMC Secretary Henry Jalin anak Watt, SMC Senior Assistant Secretary Mdm Teng Ming Min and UTS Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mohd Zainal Munshid Harun.
Under the partnership, UTS is expected to contribute its academic expertise, research capabilities and institutional resources towards supporting the implementation and development of the aged-friendly city initiative.
The collaboration also highlights the role of local institutions in addressing urban challenges through research and practical solutions that take into account the needs and circumstances of the communities they serve.
As Sibu continues its efforts to develop as a Smart City, the council has emphasised that urban progress should extend beyond the adoption of digital technology and modern infrastructure. Consideration of public well-being, accessibility and the needs of different population groups is also part of the city’s development agenda.
The Aged-Friendly City Initiative focuses on the importance of creating an urban environment that takes into account the needs of older residents. This includes broader considerations such as accessibility, public facilities, mobility and the ability of senior citizens to participate in community life.
An age-friendly approach also involves recognising the challenges that people may face as they grow older, particularly in accessing public spaces and essential services. Research and engagement with local communities can help identify areas where improvements may be needed.
SMC has also highlighted its aspiration to develop Sibu as a Child-Friendly City, placing the needs of younger residents alongside those of senior citizens. Both initiatives form part of a wider approach to urban planning that considers the needs of residents throughout different stages of life.
The council’s position is that a Smart City should not be measured solely by its technological capabilities. Instead, technology and development initiatives should contribute to practical improvements in how residents access services, use public spaces and participate in everyday community activities.
UTS, as an institution based in Sibu, is positioned to contribute local knowledge and academic research to this process. Its involvement is intended to help ensure that proposed initiatives are informed by the town’s specific circumstances rather than relying entirely on approaches developed elsewhere.
The partnership also provides an opportunity for closer cooperation between local government and higher education institutions in identifying community priorities and translating research findings into practical initiatives.
However, the signing of the MoU marks the establishment of a collaborative framework, with specific programmes, implementation arrangements and measurable outcomes to be developed through subsequent work between the two organisations.
SMC and UTS have expressed their intention to turn their shared objectives into initiatives that deliver practical benefits to the people of Sibu, supporting the town’s longer-term development as a more accessible, sustainable and people-centred urban community.
The agreement reflects the growing role of local partnerships in shaping urban development, with the council and university seeking to combine public administration and academic expertise in addressing the needs of Sibu’s residents. — Sarawak Daily
