First Global Classroom Initiative Strengthens Academic Collaboration Between UNIMAS and HTU
8 April 2026, Faculty of Engineering, UNIMAS
The Faculty of Engineering at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) successfully hosted its first Global Classroom session in collaboration with Hano Technical University (HTU), Somalia, marking a significant milestone under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) established in 2023.
A total of 20 academicians and students from HTU, together with 60 students undertaking the Final Year Project (FYP) course from the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, UNIMAS, participated in the session. Conducted in a hybrid format, the session was held physically for UNIMAS students at the Active Learning Space, Faculty of Engineering, while participants from HTU joined online via Webex Meeting. The initiative brought together participants from both institutions with the aim of enriching the research experience of undergraduate students.
The session focused on the theme “Literature Review Practice in Somalia and Malaysia”, offering valuable cross-cultural insights into research methodologies and academic expectations. The programme began with welcoming remarks by Nur Alia Athirah Binti Hj Mohtadzar from UNIMAS, followed by two main sessions. The first session was delivered by Dr Sadiyo Siad, Chancellor of HTU, who presented perspectives on literature review practices in Somalia, followed by an interactive question-and-answer session. The second session was conducted by Ir. Dr Then Yi Lung (UNIMAS), who shared insights into Malaysian academic norms and research culture, concluding with a final discussion.
This Global Classroom initiative not only facilitated meaningful knowledge exchange but also strengthened international academic collaboration. It provided students with broader perspectives on research practices, preparing them for more globally informed academic and professional engagements.
UNIMAS Community Projects With Masjid Darul Naim, Petrajaya
Faculty with the Community: Introducing Gula Apong to the World
A local Spaoh co-operative, the Koperasi Apong Saribas Berhad, plans to produce two Nipah palm-based products, Borneo Apong Honey and Borneo Apong Vinegar soon. According to its spokesman Rasli Muslimen, the co-operative has acquired a building at the Spaoh Agriculture Station for its factory. Rasli, a local from Spaoh, is also a senior lecturer in Mechanical Engineering and Manufacturing Faculty of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas)
He said the co-operative is collaborating with the university’s Apong Research Group (ARG) in the production of both products. Rasli said ARG had developed and patented a hybrid digital control cooking stove to process the raw Apong sap into honey.
“We are funded by Unimas, Teraju and the Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Development for the two projects. The idea is to help the local Iban and Malay communities and others here generate income to raise their living standard,” he said.
“We will need about six months to prepare including upgrading our premises at the Spaoh Agriculture Station. We need to follow MeSTI (Makanan Selamat Tanggungjawab Industri) standard besides the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) as well as the ‘halal’ certifications for our production. We will begin production after doing and acquiring all these. Our production will be hi-tech where the quality and hygiene aspects will be much better. As I have mentioned, our cooking stove will be digitally controlled,” he added.
Rasli said although Gula Apong or Apong sugar was produced traditionally and using wood for heat source, the hygiene aspect is a major issue. Rasli added among others, the Borneo Apong Honey would be a good substitute for sugar while the Borneo Apong Vinegar can be used in food preparation. – Borneo Post.
CEO Visit To TERAJU-UNIMAS Lab
September 21, UNIMAS welcomed an honourable visit from TERAJU delegation led by their CEO Tn. Hj. Md Silmi Abd Rahman to TERAJU-UNIMAS Lab. The visit aim to witness the progress of the project under Dana Pembangunan Usahawan Bumiputera (DPUB) Sarawak 2019 funded by TERAJU. UNIMAS successfully secured RM 2.15 million grant under DPUB Sarawak 2019 for the development of Apong Industry in Kg. Tambak, Tg. Apong and Kg. Spaoh and Smoked Fish in Tebelu. Faculty of Engineering Dean, Prof Ir Dr Hjh Siti Noor Linda Bt Taib, project leaders and members, and top management of faculty welcomed the delegation. TERAJU-UNIMAS Lab is developed as research centre to support research and development activities of the projects. During the visit, there was short presentation on the achievement of Apong Research Group (ARG) followed by discussion on the lab development planning and also potential collaboration with the faculty in the future.
