BELAGA: The International iRandau Symposium 2025 brought together over 250 participants from Malaysia and abroad, further cementing its role as a platform that bridges cultural heritage with modern development.
Held at Lebu’ Kulit, Sungai Asap here from October 1 to 3, the annual symposium carried the theme ‘Bridging Gaps, Fostering Sustainability’.
It focused not only on social sciences, economics, management, and science and technology, but also highlighted the preservation of Orang Ulu traditions and heritage, the empowerment of rural youth through digital initiatives, and collaboration between academia and communities.
Deputy Digital Minister, Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, said the ‘randau’ tradition has evolved beyond the longhouse and gained recognition on the international stage as part of Sarawak’s cultural identity and tourism attraction.
“iRandau not only preserves the authenticity of tradition but turns it into a global tourism attraction.
“It serves as a bridge that connects cultural roots with modern development,” he said.
Ugak, who is also Hulu Rajang Member of Parliament, stressed that the State government remains committed to narrowing the digital divide in Sarawak’s rural areas – not only through infrastructure development but also by investing in the future of its people.
“iRandau 2025 proves that rural communities have the opportunity to venture into digital entrepreneurship, content creation, and community leadership,” he added.
Organised by the Faculty of Humanities, Management and Science (FKPS), Universiti Putra Malaysia Sarawak (UPMS), since 2019, the International iRandau Symposium has grown into a recognised knowledge branding platform that strengthens the university’s role as a research and community reference hub in Borneo.
It focused not only on social sciences, economics, management, and science and technology, but also highlighted the preservation of Orang Ulu traditions and heritage, the empowerment of rural youth through digital initiatives, and collaboration between academia and communities.
Deputy Digital Minister, Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, said the ‘randau’ tradition has evolved beyond the longhouse and gained recognition on the international stage as part of Sarawak’s cultural identity and tourism attraction.
“iRandau not only preserves the authenticity of tradition but turns it into a global tourism attraction.
“It serves as a bridge that connects cultural roots with modern development,” he said.
Ugak, who is also Hulu Rajang Member of Parliament, stressed that the State government remains committed to narrowing the digital divide in Sarawak’s rural areas – not only through infrastructure development but also by investing in the future of its people.
“iRandau 2025 proves that rural communities have the opportunity to venture into digital entrepreneurship, content creation, and community leadership,” he added.
Organised by the Faculty of Humanities, Management and Science (FKPS), Universiti Putra Malaysia Sarawak (UPMS), since 2019, the International iRandau Symposium has grown into a recognised knowledge branding platform that strengthens the university’s role as a research and community reference hub in Borneo.