Photo shows the seats and desks at a Digital Innovation Hub working space, which have been arranged to ensure compliance with SOP on social distancing.
KUCHING: Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) is offering free-of-charge (FoC) access to university students to use its Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs) located across the state.
According to SMA general manager Dr Zaidi Razak, this initiative would enable students to have fast and reliable Internet access, as well as workspaces conducive to them doing their assignments during the current Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) period.
The DIHs can be accessed by students beginning this July 6 and it is on-going until further notice.
However, the availability is subject to first-come, first-served basis to ensure strict compliance with the standard operating procedures (SOP) set for access and usage of these hubs.
“The facilities provided by every hub include fast Internet, an environment conducive to working, and also a stocked pantry.
“The graduates are the future of Sarawak; hence, it is imperative that they have access to the proper facilities to help them study,” he said in a statement yesterday.
According to Zaidi, there are five Digital Innovation Hubs in Sarawak – two in Kuching, as well as one each in Sarikei, Bintulu and Miri.
The university students wishing to gain access are encouraged to contact the operators of these respective hubs to book their slots.
For the SMA-Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (Tegas) Digital Innovation Hubs in Kuching, Bintulu and Miri, bookings for slots could be arranged via https://www.facebook.com/TEGASdigital/, or by emailing requests to [email protected].
For the innovation hub at SMA Creative Heritage Innovation Centre Kuching, slot-bookings could be made via https://www.facebook.com/smachicmy, or by emailing requests to [email protected].
Those wanting to use the hub at SMA Sarikei Innovation Centre, slot-bookings can be made via https://www.facebook.com/sarikeiinnovation/ or by emailing requests to [email protected].
“The Digital Innovation Hub programme is part of Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy 2018-2022, spearheaded by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“The hubs provide co-working and event spaces for start-up companies and entrepreneurs to work, conduct training, or develop their ideas,” said Zaidi, adding that the hubs for other divisions across Sarawak are currently in development stage and are expected to be fully operational by the end of next year’s second quarter.
He pointed out that SMA, since its inception, had developed the Sarawak Digital Village Ecosystem – encompassing robust training programmes and a network of partners across Sarawak such as Tegas, Sarawak Media Group (SMG), and iCube Innovation.
“Together with their valued support, we hope that this corporate-social responsibility (CSR) initiative would benefit the university students in this challenging time,” added Zaidi.