KUCHING – Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus brought together over 250 participants from Sarawak and neighbouring regions for its Industry-University-Community (IUC) Summit 2026, an institutional flagship initiative aimed at transforming cross-sector partnerships into tangible solutions, breakthrough innovations, and real-world impact.
The IUC Summit is designed to address critical challenges in research, technological innovation, and commercialisation, while advancing strategic partnerships between academia, industry, and the wider community that create lasting benefits for Sarawak and beyond.
Held from 11 to 12 August 2026 under the theme “Bridging Gaps, Breaking Barriers, Co-Creating Success”, the summit was officiated by The Honourable Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Premier of Sarawak and Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Sarawak.
Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian underscored the importance of collaboration between universities, government agencies, industry, and communities in translating research into meaningful outcomes for society.
“Research is not only about new knowledge. It is about creating value for people and for society,” he said.
He noted that while technologies such as artificial intelligence, hydrogen, robotics, and digital transformation are important drivers of progress, innovation must ultimately be measured by its impact on people’s lives.
Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian (second from right) officially opens Swinburne Sarawak’s IUC Summit 2026. Also seen are (from left) Professor Dr Ida Fatimawati bt Adi Badiozaman; Ir Professor Sim Kwan Yong; Datuk Amar Jaul Samion, Chairman of Swinburne Sarawak’s Board of Directors; and Dr Khairul Hafiz Sharkawi, Vice President of Technological Research and Adoption, Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation.
“Innovation is about improving lives. If a new discovery never leaves the laboratory, it remains a discovery. If a good idea never reaches industry, it remains an idea. If economic growth never reaches our communities, then we have missed the purpose of development.
“Innovation only matters when it makes a difference to people. That is why this summit matters,” he said, commending Swinburne Sarawak for providing a platform that strengthens collaboration, encourages thought leadership, and contributes to building a resilient and future-ready Sarawak.
Ir Professor Lau Hieng Ho, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer of Swinburne Sarawak, who was represented by Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Ir Professor Sim Kwan Yong, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to strengthening collaboration between academia, industry, and communities, bringing together researchers, industry leaders, government representatives, community partners, and students to foster meaningful partnerships for the future.
“Over the years, Swinburne Sarawak has continued to grow as an institution that connects global knowledge with local aspirations. This journey has been shaped by the commitment of our staff, researchers, students, and partners who believe in the power of collaboration to create meaningful impact,” he said.
He highlighted that industry, universities, and communities are deeply interconnected in a symbiotic relationship built on shared purpose, common goals, and a commitment to learning from one another.
“For our students, these engagements provide invaluable opportunities to gain experience beyond the classroom – to work on real problems, develop professional skills, and understand how their knowledge can contribute to society. For our researchers, they open pathways to apply expertise in ways that create tangible benefits.
“As for our industry, government, and community partners, we hope Swinburne continues to be a trusted collaborator – one that listens, innovates, and works alongside you to achieve our shared goals,” said Professor Lau.
Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian (centre) explores the exhibition showcase at the IUC Summit 2026.
Professor Dr Ida Fatimawati bt Adi Badiozaman, Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) of Swinburne Sarawak, said that the summit represents the realisation of a vision to ensure research delivers meaningful impact beyond the university.
Guided by Swinburne Sarawak’s Research Masterplan 2030, the university is advancing collaborative, multidisciplinary research that addresses Sarawak’s priorities in renewable energy, digital transformation, healthcare, healthy ageing, and sustainable development.
Professor Ida highlighted the Ageing Sarawak initiative, which engaged more than 6,000 older adults across the state, as an example of how research can inform policy, strengthen practice, and improve lives through collaboration.
“It was never simply about collecting data; it was about listening, understanding, learning, and generating evidence that can shape better policies, strengthen practice, and improve lives,” she said.
Reflecting on the significance of the IUC Summit, both event Co-Chairs, Ir Professor Dr Viknesh Andiappan and Ir Associate Professor Dr How Bing Shen, emphasised the summit’s role as a vital platform for researchers, industry leaders, and community stakeholders to forge new collaborations and co-create transformative impact that advances research, technology, and sustainable development well beyond the two-day event.
Swinburne Sarawak’s IUC Summit 2026 featured thought leadership panels, an interactive research exhibition, an innovation pitching competition, and strategic networking sessions that connected academia, industry, government, and community partners.
The summit concluded with renewed momentum for future collaborations, reinforcing Swinburne Sarawak’s role as a catalyst for research-driven innovation and solutions that address the evolving needs of Sarawak and the wider region.
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