WEDNESDAY, 23 MARCH – “Keharmonian (Harmony), Integrasi (Integration), Toleransi (Tolerance) and Asimilasi (Assimilation)” Carnival organised by the Mandarin language Club of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) was successfully held at the Padang Kawad (Parade Square), recently.

The three-day carnival  to introduce the culture and customs of the Chinese to the campus community was officiated by the Vice-Chancellor of UMS, Professor Datuk Dr. Mohd Harun Abdullah.

In his speech, he said the carnival was very significant because it could instill greater unity amongst the campus community who were of different races through their involvement in the programme.

“The carnival also increases public awareness on the importance of cultural understanding and interaction among all races,” he said.

Various activities were held during the carnival such as stage performances by UMS students, the popular band Estranged, including dragon and lion dances.

Also present at the opening ceremony was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs and Alumni, Associate Professor Dr. Ismail Ali. – (fl)

Source: Norhana Nordin, HEP
Photos: Jalani Moksin, HEP

TUESDAY, 22 MARCH – Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) strengthened its position when it was listed in the QS World University Ranking for the first time in history.

UMS through its Agriculture and Forestry programme was ranked among  the top 200 world’s best.

This recognition also saw UMS ranked 36^th across Asian universities, through this programme.

Commenting on this achievement, the Vice-Chancellor of UMS, Professor Datuk Dr. Mohd Harun Abdullah said that this was a big leap in positioning UMS in the international arena.

“This proves that UMS is on the right track to achieve further excellence at world level.  InsyaAllah we will continue to improve our achievement from year to year,” he stressed.

He said UMS had always been  strengthening its research in various fields, particularly those that could benefit society in helping with the development of Malaysia and Sabah in particular.

“Our aim is not only to enable UMS become a competitive university globally but more importantly, in tandem with other public universities to produce experts towards realising the national vision to become a high income nation by 2020,” added Datuk Harun.

In Malaysia, UMS Agriculture and Forestry Programme was ranked second among all universities, after Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). – (fl)

The theme, ‘Nurturing Innovation Ecosystems for Sustainable Oceans & Societal Wellbeing’ will also include sub-themes which covers a wide range of topics including fish feed & nutrition, seafood security, climate change adaptations, marine conservation, and marine policy.

According to a statement issued by IPMB, the topic for ICOMSA 2016 is of global relevance and is particularly important for Malaysia where marine ecosystem services play a significant role in socio-economic development, aquaculture industry is growing at a fast rate and seafood consumption is high.

ICOMSA brings together international experts annually to share the advance scientific knowledge of the ocean ecosystem and identify the elements which can foster a culture of applying innovative solutions to problems associated with production of seafood resources, among others.

For further details, please visit their website by scanning the QR code below, or type http://www.ums.edu.my/ipmb2/icomsa/index.html or contact the conference secretariat at 088-320000 ext. 2589. - FL

Source: Flora Anne Asalin, IPMB

MONDAY, 21 MARCH – Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) distributed the 1Malaysia Book Voucher (BB1M) for the year 2016 last Sunday.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr. Mohd Harun Abdullah, the book vouchers were expected to cover the purchase of materials to meet the learning needs of the students at the university.

“I hope all UMS students would take advantage of this benefit and always be prudent in their spending,” he said.

Also present were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) UMS, Associate Professor Dr. Ismail Ali and representatives from the Student Affairs Department and Bursar Department.

The distribution of vouchers were also carried out at the Labuan International Campus (UMS), officiated by the Campus Director, Associate Professor Dr. Murnizam Haji Halik.

BB1M is an initiative of the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) to ease the burden of purchasing books for academic purpose. - (fl)

Photo: UMSKAL