By Faezah Mohamad Dun

Photo: Johaidi Ismail

TUESDAY,  01 DECEMBER – Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) continues to create history by leading the Industry Centre of Excellence (ICoE) Agriculture Cluster officiated by Deputy Minister cum Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Sabah, Datuk Yahya Husssin last night.

 The establishment of ICoE Agricultural Cluster is an initiative of the Ministry of Education (MoE) to ensure that graduates of Higher Learning Institutions meet with market demands.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Datuk Yahya said, with the presence of highly educated entrepreneurs, the agricultural sector could move quickly with more innovative, creative and adapting the latest agricultural technology.

“I urge the agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry Sabah to provide support and cooperation to this ICoE Agricultural Cluster,” he said.

Earlier, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr. Mohd Harun Abdullah said the appointment of UMS as a leader in agricultural ICoE was a recognition for UMS and the Faculty of Sustainable Agriculture.

“It is hoped that with the existence of ICoE, issues and challenges face in the marketability of Malaysian graduates now could be reduced.

“In addition, the number of unemployment amongst university graduates could also be brought to a minimum level,” he added.

Agricultural ICoE cooperates with other institutions and companies within the agricultural industry through four main structures; Agro-Mentor Programme, Agriculture Structured Internship Programme, Training of Trainers and Graduate Employability Programme. – (fl)

UMS Press was chosen to receive one of the Premier awards, Best Press Award (Government Agency).

Two other awards won were for Best General Book Category () through a book entitled, “The History of Financial Management and Development of Accounting Practice in North Borneo 1881-1963” written by Professor Dr. Rasid Mail, Associate Professor Dr. Raman Nordin and Md. Saffie Abdul Rahim.

Another award for Best General Books Category (Heritage Category) entitled, “Kimanis; Old State, Sacred Land” edited by Baszley Bee Ag. Basrah, Eko Prayitno Joko and Zainuddin Baco.

The selection was made by a panel of Professional ABN Appraisers 2015 chaired by Professor Datuk Wira Dr. Abdul Latif Abu Bakar, who is also the Head 1 of GAPENA.

The criteria for the award included quality and number of publications.

The Premier Award was presented by the Deputy Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and award for the other categories were presented by the Minister of Education, Dato’ Seri Mahadzir Khalid.  UMS Press Director, Associate Professor Dr. Asmady Idris represented UMS in receiving the awards.

Vice-Chancellor of UMS, Professor Datuk Dr. Mohd Harun Abdullah said he was very excited and proud of the outstanding achievements of UMS Press achieved this year.

“Last year, two awards were won, and it increased to three this year.  This proves that UMS can produce high quality materials for reference and reading by the public,” he said this through his Facebook page, the message of which was uploaded during the event.

“3 trophies won at the National Book Awards 2015 have added to the collection of achievements in the field of publishing and writing,” he said.

ABN 2015 was organised by the National Book Development Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) established in accordance with the the government’s aspiration to develop the reading culture by all Malaysians to be well-informed and knowledgeable.

ABN is open to all employees, publishers and book industry players to be given the right recognition and incentives.

Over 30 categories were contested this year.

The ABN ceremony was also held in conjunction with the Malaysia Book Expo which was held from 25-29 November 2015 at PWTC, organised by the National Book Foundation in collaboration with Kuala Lumpur Universiti, GAPENA, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) and the National Library. – CD (fl)
Source: Anicius Justin Adeh, Publications Officer, UMS Press

Held at UMS Mosque, the proramme was received warmly by the UMS staff’s children and the public.

According to Senior Islamic Officer, Md. Razali Saibin, a total of 61 children aged between seven and 14 participated in the programme.

“Congratulations to everyone involved especially the Khatam Perdana Organising Committee for successfully organising this event and not forgetting all participants for their courage and sincerity in responding to the requirement of Islam,” he said, representing the Vice-Chancellor, during the opening ceremony.

One of the youngest participants, Muhammad Syahmi Md. Suhaimi, 7, when met told UMS media representatives that he was very excited and participated willingly.

Sabah Zakat Centre also made a contribution of RM80 to each participant during the programme.

A total of seven specialist from PERKIPS were involved led by Tuan Haji Loso Wakiau.

Also present at the ceremony was the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FPSK), Prof. Dr. Zainal Ariffin Mustapha. – SM (fl)

Photo: Malik Ahmad Hanafi Rofi'ie, Islamic Affairs Assistant Officer

 This study and courtesy call involved third-year students under the Education with Social Science (Major Geography) Faculty of Psychology and Education, totaling 16 students and accompanied by senior lecturer, Dr. Colonius Atang.

The delegation, among others had visited Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and witnessed the exchange of ideas between the Heads of Student Affairs Division UBD and FPP students led by the Student Affairs Deputy Dean and Head of UBD Students Activities Development Unit.  Among the aspects discussed were in environmentally-friendly campus management, academic and learning styles of UBD students.  The delegation also visited UBD Library, UBD Cafeteria, other faculties in UBD and UBD Mosque.

On the second day, the delegation conducted several studies in Brunei to meet the needs of the course they undertook.  Among them were studies on the urbanisation of the luxury bungalow at Kg. Air Water Village, a study on the coasts near Empire Hotel, a tourist spot in Brunei and the Urban Development Studies of Bandar Seri Begawan.

The last day of the visit, the delegation continued with a stopover at the Royal Brunei Museum, Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Masjid Jamek 'Asr Hassanah Bolkiah, Jerudong Park, Istana Nurul Iman, Jerudong Mall, Night Market and Jerudong Brunei Agro Technology Park.  The visit was also supported by Brunei students studying in UMS.

The three-day programme achieved its main goal of visiting Brunei Darussalam. – (fl)