A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed on Monday, 21 October 2024, at the Borneo Atrium to launch a groundbreaking research project titled “The Profile of Ageing Issues of Older Persons in Sarawak.” The initiative, under the Ministry of Women, Early Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK), is backed by a research grant of RM1,166,953.08. The project aims to provide a comprehensive strategy for addressing the challenges of an ageing society in Sarawak by 2028 through collaborative research between academia and government bodies.

The ceremony was attended by several key dignitaries, including YB Dato Sri Hajah Fatimah Abdullah, Minister of Women, Early Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development, as well as other senior officials. Swinburne Sarawak’s Executive Group, alongside representatives from the Women and Family Department and the Social Welfare Department, also participated, reflecting the multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral nature of the initiative.

Picture during the Signing

Led by Prof. Ida Fatimawati Badiozaman of Swinburne Sarawak, the research team includes Dr Voon Mung Ling, Dr Tan Vie Ming, Dr Lee Ming Ha, Dr Miko Chang May Lee, Mr Augustus Raymond Segar from Swinburne; Assoc. Prof. Winnie Wong Poh Ming and Dr Chin Chee Hua from UTS; Prof. Ong Fon Sim and Dr Goi Chai Lee from Curtin University; Dr Ling Jia Nee from Pusat Jantung Sarawak; Dr Sally Suriani Ahip from Klinik Kesihatan Kota Samarahan; and Dr Yasmin Yaccob from UPM Bintulu. The study, commencing in October 2024, is scheduled to conclude within nine months. This project underscores the importance of proactive planning and collaboration to ensure that Sarawak’s ageing population can age with dignity and good health, guided by thoughtful policy and innovative strategies.