UCSI University makes history with the launch of RCE Kuching
The Chief Minister of Sarawak launches RCE Kuching in conjunction with the QS Subject Focus Summit.
Kuching, 5 December 2018
UCSI University’s distinction as Malaysia’s first and only private Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) was confirmed in style when RCE Kuching was launched by Sarawak Chief Minister YAB Datuk Patinggi Dr Abang Abdul Rahman Johari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg.
Lauding the milestone, Abang Abdul Rahman Johari commended USCI for championing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the local level.
In Sarawak, UCSI is championing six initiatives under four SDGS, namely, Quality Education, Clean Water and Sanitation, Sustainable Cities and Communities, as well as Life on Land.
“I’m happy to acknowledge UCSI’s RCE conferment by the United Nations University (UNU),” he said in his speech at the inaugural QS Subject Focus Summit for Hospitality and Tourism.
“It is remarkable to achieve such a recognition and I’m encouraged to see UCSI emphasising an education that empowers the community, advocating sustainable development that encompasses all aspects of life.
He added that UCSI could be proud of its latest milestone after being distinguished as Malaysia’s best private university in the QS World University Rankings 2019 and one of the world’s top 70 universities under 50 years old earlier in the year.
“Congratulations and continue the hard work as you strive to greater heights,” he said.
The Chief Minister had earlier launched the QS Summit in a grand ceremony at UCSI Hotel – the luxury establishment that also houses UCSI’s Sarawak campus.
Themed The Way Forward: Hospitality and Tourism Education Convergence with Industry 4.0, the Summit attracted more than 300 delegates from around the world who flew in to hear from thought leaders in the hospitality and tourism industry.
Thanking the Chief Minister for gracing the occasion, UCSI Vice-Chancellor Senior Professor Dato’ Dr Khalid Yusoff said that the milestones over the past year were results of a concerted effort to push the University further and higher.
“We have been pushing the boundaries in recent years and being recognised as Malaysia’s best private university and one of the nation’s top 10 in the QS rankings is proof that the University is committed to Go Beyond; Be Profound: Make a Difference,” he said.
“We want to be a centre of thought leadership and we will do our part to contribute to the nation’s goal of becoming one of the world’s leading education hubs,” he said.
First recognised as an RCE by the UNU in September, UCSI’s Sarawak campus will continue championing SDGs at the local level, impacting and empowering rural and urban communities in Malaysia’s large state.