BINTULU: The International Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities (ICOSSH 2019) aims to create an opportunity for local and international researchers to present the findings of their studies, says Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Bintulu Campus director Professor Dr Bujang Kim Huat.

He said in line with the conference theme ‘Integrating the Culture and Civilisation of Malay Archipelago: Perspectives on the Social Sciences and Humanities’, participants would be able to exchange ideas and information to produce more quality researches, especially those related to Borneo.

“The diversity of the population in Borneo is undeniable, particularly in Sarawak. To date, Sarawak comprises a total of 27 major ethnic groups numbering nearly 2.81 million people, who are divided into 52 sub-ethnic groups according to their respective settlements.

“Hence, the unique diversity of lifestyles, origins, cultures, socioeconomy – to name a few – creates new prospects for discussions,” he said in his address for the opening of ICOSSH 2019 here yesterday.

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah officiated at the event, representing Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg. Bujang said the conference would establish a number of studies based on the culture of Borneo, particularly Sarawak, which would serve as a reference source for future researchers and Sarawak government policymakers.

“In line with one of the thrusts in UPM Bintulu Campus, we are also actively involved in Borneo Ethnic research pertaining to Borneo ethnic culture, arts, customs, rituals, food – to name a few.

“Indeed, this international conference serves as a platform for the convergence of ideas to produce and facilitate more collaborations in Borneo Ethnic research,” he added.

Bujang also said UPMKB had been involved in various fields and collaborations with the Sarawak government and had, thus far, made numerous advancements including research in agriculture and engineering as well as social science.

“Substantially, this effort will be continued through the involvement of diversified fields of research and collaboration. UPM Bintulu Campus strives towards five academic and research thrusts which are in the fields of agriculture, forestry, engineering and renewable energy, industrial chemistry, ethnicity and social economy.”

He pointed out that UPM Bintulu Campus had just begun offering a new social science programme, the Bachelor of Science (Human Development and Management).

The amiden intake was last month, while three new programmes – Bachelor of Entrepreneurship, Bachelor of Social Sciences, and Diploma of Human Development – would commence next year, he added.

Bujang also extended his gratitude to Abdul Karim’s ministry for granting a sum of RM111,000 towards the international conference.

Tarikh Input: 11/10/2019 | Kemaskini: 11/10/2019 | lanz