KUCHING: The Sarawak Government will introduce a new academic programme, called the Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management Engineering, which will be offered at universities across the state.

The announcement was made by Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg during the opening ceremony of the International Construction Week (ICW) Borneo 2025 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Tuesday.

According to him, this is among the first programmes of its kind to be offered in Borneo.

“The Sarawak Government will be introducing a new field of study at universities in Sarawak, namely the Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management Engineering.

“I believe this is among the first programmes of its kind in Borneo.

“It will be accessible to all Sarawakians entering university, as the cost of this education will be fully borne by the Sarawak Government,” he said.

Meanwhile when met by reporters after the opening ceremony, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari said that there is a need for a low-carbon industry as the construction sector is one of the major contributors to carbon emissions.

Therefore, he said new methods must be explored, not only in terms of green materials but also the techniques used in the construction industry.

“That’s why, starting next year, we will be sending qualified students to Sarawak-owned universities under specific academic programmes,” he added.

Among the selected universities is University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), while Swinburne University has also expressed readiness to offer the programme.

Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Minister of Works, Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Sarawak Minister for Transport, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department, Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, Federal and Sarawak Deputy Ministers, heads of departments, and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews