Kota Samarahan (Sarawak): 15 February 2023. UNIMAS embarked on another research commitment with its international collaborative partner, OSAKA GAS Foundation of International Cultural Exchange (OGFICE) to promote research activities particularly in the field of Energy and Environment. The event organizer, Faculty of Engineering hosted an award ceremony to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the partnership. In this event, OGFICE awarded 6 research grants and presented 12 undergraduate scholarship awards to the recipients from diverse disciplines.
The ceremony was blessed with the presence of the Deputy Vice Chancellor of UNIMAS, Professor Dr Wan hashim bin Wan Ibrahim representing the Vice Chansellor; Professor Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim bin Suaidi. In his welcoming remarks, he expressed his gratitude to OGFICE for their continuous financial support to UNIMAS and the contribution has helped researchers tremendously to excel in their research. He hoped that the research findings would be used to resolve the challenges posed by new and emerging technologies in the future. In addition, the scholarship awards undoubtedly provided assistance to the undergraduate students to support their studies in the field of Engineering.
Attending the ceremony as the representative from OGFICE was the Executive Director, Mr Koji Kato. In his speech, Mr Koji addressed their past support and changes that took place over the last 30 years of collaborative engagement with UNIMAS. He hoped that OGFICE and UNIMAS would find a resolution for continuous support of research and teaching activities for many years to come. Thus, aiding in research development to facilitate the socio-economy growth.
In this ceremony, 6 research grant proposals were selected and funded by OGFICE for the year 2023. The theme for the research was related to Energy and Environment.
This strategic collaboration is one of the efforts to nurture international research environment among local academicians to pursue research excellence at a top level. This coincides with UNIMAS objective to become internationally recognized higher learning institution to inspire research initiatives while adapting to challenges that the future may hold.
It is important to note that OGFICE has been supporting research and educational activities in Southeast Asian countries since its establishment in 1992. UNIMAS is grateful with this research collaboration and it is hoped that this momentum will last for many years to bring mutual benefits for both parties.
