The collaboration between Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) and four other prestigious universities in Borneo was officiated through a signing ceremony held today to pave way for the establishment of Konsortium Komputeran dan Informatik Borneo (KKIB). The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with KKIB university members was first initiated in March this year.
The KKIB University members include Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) from Malaysia, Universitas Mulia and Universitas Mulawarman from Indonesia and Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB).
Signing the MoU on behalf of UTB was Yang Mulia Professor Dr. Dayang Hajah Zohrah binti Hj Sulaiman, Vice-Chancellor. Representing UMS was Yang Mulia Professor Datuk ChM. Ts. Dr. Taufiq Yap Yun Hin, Vice-Chancellor and for UNIMAS was Yang Mulia Professor Datuk Dr. Mohamad Kadim bin Suaidi, Vice-Chancellor. Meanwhile from Univesitas Mulia, the memorandum was signed by Yang Mulia Dr. Agung Sakti Pribadi, Rector, and Yang Mulia Professor Dr. Haji Masjaya, Rector signed on behalf of Universitas Mulawarman.
Aimed at achieving three main areas - research, academic and postgraduate, the establishment of this consortium will provide an international platform for university members to promote and boost academic cooperation, as well as implement postgraduate exchange programmes in the field of computer science and information technology.
All five consortium members have also virtually discussed on the KKIB initiatives and deliverables during a joint university retreat held on 27 July 2020. The idea of the consortium was initiated by UMS that intended to enhance collaboration and establish academic exchanges between universities in Borneo.
Hosted by UMS, the virtual event began with remarks by the Vice-Chancellors and Rectors from the five university members followed by a video presentation of KKIB’s establishment before the signing.
Professor Dr. Dayang Hajah Zohrah mentioned that UTB, led by the university’s School of Computing & Informatics (SCI) is grateful and honored to be selected as member of the Consortium. “Through this collaboration with KKIB, UTB and SCI would greatly benefit from the joint courses, seminars, and workshops, as well participation in conferences organised by KKIB,” she added.
According to the UTB Vice-Chancellor, UTB always welcomes collaborations in areas of common interests as university collaborations have evolved tremendously where the university is not just focusing on longstanding commitment to serve the public good but also help attract the resources, relationships, and recognition necessary for these institutions to be competitive in an environment. “Collaborations and partnerships are becoming more essential for the institution to adapt and thrive amid economic volatility, demographic shifts, and technological developments,” she said.
