KOTA SAMARAHAN – A total of 4,428 graduates are receiving their academic qualifications during Universiti Malaysia Sarawak’s (UNIMAS) 30th Convocation Ceremony, held from 2 to 6 November 2026.
The five-day ceremony was officially opened on 2 November by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak and UNIMAS Chancellor, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, who attended with his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajah Fauziah binti Mohd Sanusi.
The opening ceremony took place at Dewan Arena Gemilang, DeTAR Putra, at the university’s Kota Samarahan campus.
The royal couple arrived at approximately 9.30am and were received by UNIMAS Board of Directors Chairman Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Sulong Matjeraie and Vice-Chancellor Professor Dato Dr Haji Ahmad Hata Rasit, accompanied by his wife, Professor Datin Dr Ramlah Zainudin.
Members of the university’s board, deputy vice-chancellors, academic staff and senior management officials were also present to welcome the Chancellor and Toh Puan.
Among the dignitaries attending were Deputy Minister of Transport Sarawak Datuk Dr Jerip Susil and Deputy Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development II Sarawak Datuk Haji Mohamad Razi Sitam.
Datuk Razi was also among the graduates, receiving a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing.
The proceedings began with the Chancellor’s Procession before Tun Wan Junaidi officially declared the 30th convocation open.
In his welcoming address, Professor Ahmad Hata Rasit described the Chancellor’s presence, together with Toh Puan, as significant to the university community and an encouragement to students completing their studies.
He also highlighted a new development in UNIMAS’s academic history, with its first Faculty of Law welcoming an inaugural intake of 30 students.
The establishment of the faculty was inspired by Tun Wan Junaidi, reflecting the importance of developing legal professionals with a deeper understanding of Sarawak’s history, rights and constitutional position within the formation of Malaysia.
The Vice-Chancellor said the faculty would provide an opportunity to nurture a new generation of graduates equipped with legal knowledge and an appreciation of the state’s distinct historical and institutional background.
Delivering the Chancellor’s address, Tun Wan Junaidi emphasised the role of higher education in producing knowledgeable, highly skilled and principled individuals who can contribute to Sarawak’s development and the country’s wider progress.
He said the convocation represented more than the completion of academic programmes, recognising the sacrifices, determination and perseverance required throughout the graduates’ educational journeys.
He also reminded graduates that obtaining their qualifications marked the beginning of greater responsibilities as they entered the workforce and faced changing professional and social demands.
On the role of universities, he said institutional success should not be assessed solely through academic performance or international rankings. Their contributions to society, ability to address real-world challenges and impact on public well-being were equally important considerations.
He expressed hope that UNIMAS would continue implementing its 2026-2030 Strategic Plan through research with practical impact, the commercialisation of innovations and the development of knowledge that responds to community needs.
Tun Wan Junaidi also acknowledged the university’s recognition within the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15 hub for collaboration and partnerships, particularly in biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability.
Addressing Sarawak’s economic direction, he referred to the state government’s Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), which places technology, innovation and renewable energy among the foundations of future economic growth.
The strategic sectors identified include hydroelectric power, solar energy, low-carbon hydrogen, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and the digital economy.
He encouraged young people to pursue academic programmes that match the evolving needs of these industries while strengthening their professional capabilities through relevant training, certifications and lifelong learning.
The Chancellor also highlighted technological sovereignty as an important national priority, particularly as digital technology, automation and artificial intelligence continue to reshape economies and industries.
He said Malaysia should strengthen its ability to develop and create technology rather than depend primarily on products and systems developed elsewhere.
Achieving this would require stronger research capabilities, effective technology transfer and sustained investment in local talent, including the development of scientists, engineers, researchers and technology specialists.
He expressed confidence that UNIMAS could contribute to these objectives by producing graduates and researchers capable of generating innovations while maintaining ethical standards and respect for human values.
In his advice to the graduating class, Tun Wan Junaidi highlighted the importance of continuous learning, developing good character alongside academic achievement and applying knowledge to create meaningful changes in society.
He stressed that personal success should not be measured exclusively through professional positions, income or material possessions, but also through integrity, wisdom, moral values and the willingness to help others.
Graduates were further encouraged to contribute towards strengthening social unity, supporting inclusive development and improving the well-being of communities across Sarawak.
During the ceremony, Tun Wan Junaidi conferred doctoral degrees on 173 graduates before presenting several academic excellence awards.
The awards included the Royal Education Award, also known as Pingat Jaya Cemerlang, the Chancellor’s Award and the Pro-Chancellor’s Award.
He congratulated the university on reaching its 30th convocation and expressed hope that UNIMAS would continue developing as a leading higher education institution with meaningful contributions to Sarawak and Malaysia.
He also extended his congratulations to all 4,428 graduates, encouraging them to use their qualifications and knowledge to benefit their families, communities, the state, the nation and the wider international community.
The 30th convocation marks another milestone in UNIMAS’s development, with the university continuing to expand its academic offerings and research role in areas relevant to Sarawak’s economic transformation and future workforce requirements. — Sarawak Daily
