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)

The Open Bowling Championship organised by UMS Bowling Club was held at CP Bowling in conjunction with UMS 17^th Convocation Ceremony.

According to the Organising Chairman, Izham Abu Bakar, Senior Science Officer, Institute of Tropical Biology and Conservation, UMS; a total of 48 entries were received for the championship.

“The response is very encouraging and this showed a great interest by all the participants who came from several areas around Kota Kinabalu and gave strong support to UMS, the championship organiser,” he said.

The championship saw Azril Fakhree Khainih emerged the winner bringing home cash prize of RM1,000.

Second prize went to Haddy Hussin, whilst Mohd. Ainal Harun was placed third.  They each brought home a total prize of RM500 and RM300 respectively, presented by Izham himself.

Also present was the Director of Development and Maintenance Department (JPP), Kamisah Husin. – SM (fl)

Source: Izham Abu Bakar, Senior Science Officer, ITBC

By Faezah Mohamad Dun

Speaking at the ceremony, Vice-Chancellor of UMS, Professor Datuk Dr. Mohd Harun Abdullah advised all students to ensure that they graduate-on-time to avoid any additional costs borne by the government and university and that would affect the country’s human resource planning.

“Despite the more challenging economic conditions, the government places education as the main focus of human capital development by allocating a total of RM41.3 billion in Budget 2016 for educational purposes.

“With budget cuts and tough economic conditions, we need to implement an excellent work culture, as excellent work results means that the quality of work is high thus increasing the efficiency on resource utilisation, cost saving and maximum success for every ringgit spent by the university,” he said.

He added, as a public university in Malaysia, UMS is committed to work together with the government to realise the aspiration in making Malaysia an education hub in this region and to uphold the aspirations of putting the nation’s higher education at a global level.

At the ceremony, 49 students received the Postgraduate Aspiration Award and 15 received a special award according to their respective cluster.

Also present at the function were, UMS Registrar, No’man Datuk Hj. Ahmad and the Dean of the Postgraduate Studies Centre, Professor Datin Dr. Mariam Abd Latip. – (fl)

WEDNESDAY, 25 NOVEMBER – The Faculty of Business, Economics and Accounting (FPEP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Culture (Sabah) recently organised the Sabah Sustainability Volunsharing Programme 2015.

The four-day activity brought participants to explore Kinabatangan and Sandakan that kept many of their own history and tourist attractions.

According to the programme director who is also a Senior Lecturer of FPEP, Awangku Hassanal Bahar Pengiran Bagul, the programme was participated by 17 undergrad and four postgrad students, accompanied by four lecturers.

“Among some of the activities held were Heritage Trails around Sandakan township with a visit to Agnes Ketih House, a historic mansion that still retain its British colonial designs,” he explained when contacted.

He added that the participants were also exposed to the development of tourism and sustainable agriculture through a seminar which was officiated by the Dean of the Faculty of Sustainable Agriculture, Professor Dr. Wan Mohammad Wan Othman.

SSVP Programme had also made a stop-over at Miso Walai Homestay Kinabatangan that is famous for its seven types of forests and various species of monkeys, birds and pygmy elephants. – (fl)

Source: FPEP