KOTA SAMARAHAN: Velesto Energy Berhad (Velesto) and the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) will be hosting the VIBES Innovation Challenge at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), a hackathon-style competition that challenges students to develop innovative solutions to key industry challenges in technology, sustainability and industrial development.
According to a statement, it will be organised in partnership with UNIMAS, the competition has brought together 151 participants across 35 teams, each tasked with applying academic knowledge to create practical solutions to real-world challenges, specifically in the areas of industry, technology and environmental sustainability.
The semi-final and final rounds are scheduled for 20 and 21 May 2025, at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Hall, UNIMAS.
“The VIBES Innovation Challenge provides a platform for students to turn their ideas into actionable solutions, reflecting Velesto’s and SEDC’s shared commitment to enhancing educational quality, developing future workforce capabilities and supporting Sarawak’s long- term goals for sustainable, knowledge-driven growth.
“Since its launch on 24 March 2025, the competition has included ideation workshops, mentorship sessions and assessments led by industry professionals and academics from Velesto, SEDC and UNIMAS,” it said on Friday.
The competition is part of the broader VIBES Initiatives, which aim to nurture local talent and foster innovation through hands-on STEM learning experiences.
It aligns with the shared vision of Velesto and SEDC to develop Sarawak’s innovation ecosystem by equipping future generations with the skills and knowledge to solve tomorrow’s challenges.
The closing ceremony will be officiated by Sarawak Deputy Premier, Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development, and Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
Key figures from the participating organisations will also be in attendance, including the President of Velesto, Ir. Ts. Megat Zariman Abdul Rahim, SEDC General Manager, Datu Abdul Hadir Abdul Kadir and UNIMAS Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr. Ahmad Hata Rasit.
This initiative, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 5 December 2023, contributes to Sarawak’s knowledge-driven growth and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4: Quality Education and Goal 17: Partnerships, emphasising the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in achieving impactful, sustainable outcomes. -UKASnews
