KUCHING: The 27th i-CATS University College (i-CATS) Convocation Ceremony witnessed a total of 465 graduates who have successfully received their master’s, bachelor’s and diploma’s scroll, marking another milestone in the institution’s effort to produce skilled and industry-ready talent.
The ceremony, held at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre here yesterday (Nov 8) also celebrated a historic moment as 104 of the graduates were Master’s degree recipients, making them the first cohort of master’s graduates from i-CATS.
Vice Chancellor of i-CATS University College, Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi, said the achievement reflected not only academic success, but the commitment of the university in supporting Sarawak’s long-term development agenda.
“i-CATS stands firm as an institution that supports the ambitious aspirations of the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which was initiated by the Sarawak Premier.
“We are committed to strengthening human capital development in the six key sectors of PCDS 2030, particularly in aerospace, energy transition, digital technology, engineering, business studies, and agrotechnology,” he said in his speech during the ceremony on Saturday.
The convocation ceremony was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Kadim also stressed that in line with the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), which outlines 15 focus sectors, i-CATS will play a role as a catalyst in the transformation of technical and professional education, producing highly skilled, competitive, and virtuous graduates.
“i-CATS is not merely an educational institution, but a builder of an ecosystem that integrates knowledge, industry, and innovation, positioning i-CATS as a strategic partner in realising Sarawak’s aspiration to become a developed and high-income state by 2030.
“These sectors reflect a transition towards a diversified, innovation-driven, and inclusive economy,” he said.
He added that i-CATS continues to strengthen strategic collaborations at the national, regional, and international levels, to align with Sarawak’s aspiration towards becoming a high technology state.
“Up to the year 2025, various Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) and Collaboration Agreements (MoAs) have been signed to expand education, research, industrial training, and talent development in accordance with industry needs and Sarawak’s future direction.
“These collaborations not only form academic linkages but also open opportunities for student and staff mobility programmes, joint research projects, technology transfer, and the development of high-impact regional skilled talent, positioning i-CATS as part of a progressive and competitive global education community.
“All these strategic networks demonstrate that i-CATS is not merely a university that teaches, but a university that educates, creates, and contributes directly to state development.
“It reflects i-CATS’ commitment to being the main strategic partner of the Sarawak Government in building a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future,” said Kadim.
This year’s ceremony was particularly meaningful, as it was the first time i-CATS University College held its convocation separately from Sarawak Skills.
The historic moment also reflects the maturity and capability of i-CATS as an independent higher learning institution with its own identity and growing strengths.