KOTA KINABALU: Specially drawn-up educational courses to meet Sabah’s needs are on the cards for the new Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC) campus here.

       TAR UC board of directors chairman Tan Sri Liow Tiong Lai said there are certain industries and courses that are more suited for Sabah, which may not likely be the case for other states.

       “That is why we are working closely with local industry players and people who know the market here to come up with courses that are attractive and useful for Sabahans,” he said during an interactive session with TAR UC members and local industry players before the institution’s convocation here yesterday.

       Citing some examples, Liow said courses related to agriculture, tourism and the entertainment industry are among some strong and marketable programmes in Sabah.

       The university college is also in the midst of going digital and embarking on artificial intelligence, big data and digital economy courses, which are expected to be realised over the next 10 years.

       “We at TAR UC have set a timeline where we want to see changes for this institution in the next 10 years.

       “We are waiting for approval for our varsity status as well,” he added.

       Liow said the institution started in Sabah in 2002, and has since moved from a small office room to the campus it is in today.

       “These developments are made possible from the support of various business communities, individuals and organisations.

       He added that to encourage more students to take up courses at TAR UC, scholarship programmes for eligible Sabah natives are available.

       Over 7,000 diploma and degree students have gotten their certificates to date, after an additional 140 got theirs yesterday.