BINTULU (Aug 12): Sarawak is setting its sights on becoming a global centre of excellence where modern scientific research and traditional wisdom advance concurrently to create innovative solutions, said Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

The Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts said the state’s support for the 4th International Conference on Science, Social Sciences and Humanities (ICOSSH 2025) reflected a long-term vision to bridge the gap between disciplines often seen as “worlds apart”.

“This sponsorship is not just financial support. It reflects our ambition to make Sarawak a global hub where conventional wisdom meets contemporary research to spark creative energy that drives sustainable development,” he said during the event’s opening at Parkcity Everly Hotel Bintulu here today.

Abdul Karim said that for too long, the three disciplines were treated as separate, even competing entities.

“Science is often regarded as knowledge based on facts and figures; social sciences as the study of human interactions; and the humanities as the guardian of culture and ethics.

“Such rigid separation and the defence of individual theories alone can hinder our shared mission to build a better future,” he said.

The conference, themed ‘The Unseen Treasures of the Arts’, challenged participants to uncover cultural, intellectual and ecological assets hidden within indigenous communities and Sarawak’s biodiversity.

Organised by Universiti Putra Malaysia Sarawak (UPMS), ICOSSH 2025 brought together scholars nationwide to foster dialogue, forge partnerships and develop research that connects history, culture and science with progressive strategies.

Also present were Tanjung Datu assemblyman Azizul Annuar Adenan, UPMS deputy vice-chancellor of industry and community networks Professor IR Dr BT Hang Tuan Baharuddin and Bintulu Resident’s representative Jeffrey Jalong. 

Date of Input: 13/08/2025 | Updated: 13/08/2025 | lanz