Ten scientists from the Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre in Sarawak, Malaysia will develop new skills through a series of bespoke training courses at Murdoch University in Perth, Western Australia.
The Enabling Industrial Transformation in Sarawak Through Research Infrastructure Harmonization Fellowships will be conducted over 12 months at Murdoch University in partnership with the Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre, a subsidiary of the Sarawak Research and Development Council.
Funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia Awards Fellowships are offered to emerging leaders from developing countries for study, research and professional development in Australia and the region so they can return home and contribute to their nations’ development, prosperity, and resilience.
Associate Director of Murdoch University’s Office of Research and Innovation Dr Sze How Bong said the Award were an exciting stepping stone towards the establishment of new state-of-the-art research capabilities in Sarawak by 2025.
“This investment is testament to the strong bilateral relationship between Australia and Malaysia,” he said.
“The Fellowships will deepen existing collaborations and allow both parties to work towards the establishment of the Ali Wallace Joint Research and Training Centre here at Murdoch.”
Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre Chief Executive Officer Dr Ivan Yap Kok Seng said he was thrilled to be the co-recipient of the Award.
“We look forward to a close partnership with Murdoch University in the area of infectious disease surveillance, precision medicine and artificial intelligence,” he said.
Murdoch University Deputy Vice Chancellor Research and Innovation Professor Peter Eastwood said the University was committed to working with the Sarawak Government to nurture the next generation of leaders through research, scholarship and knowledge sharing.
“This Award will underpin the development of capacity through research collaborations and we are excited to be part of this journey with the Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre,” he said.
Chairman of the Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre and Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Annuar bin Rapaee, said the Award demonstrated the strong commitment between Australia and Malaysia to strengthen the knowledge economy through scientific diplomacy.
“These Awards will provide an opportunity for Sarawakians to be in lock-step with new advances in science and technology, especially those that enable precision healthcare,” he said.
Both Murdoch University and the Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre look forward to welcoming the Fellowship recipients and witnessing the positive impact they will make in their communities and beyond.
