By: Che Hasruddin Che Hasan

Photo: Ramdan Saleh Nain

TUESDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER – In realising the importance of Science and Mathematics today, the Faculty of Psychology and Education (FPP), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) for the first time organised the 1^st Borneo International Conference on Science and Mathematics Education (BICSME) 2015 at FPP building, recently.

At the conference, academics, researchers and educators from around the country met to discuss, deliberate and examine important issues in the field of science and mathematics resulting from researchers that have been done before.

Datuk Hajah Jainab Datuk Seri Panglima Hj Ahmad Ayid said, through empirical studies shaped by scientific explanations will assist in a clearer understanding that comes with more innovative and creative solutions to improve on the challenges faced.

“Through this conference, I hope it can provide an insight into how the education system works to improve the science and maths curriculum standards including student achievement in the context of Southeast Asia, especially in Malaysia”.

“The organisation is also expected to provide more opportunities for teachers of science and maths in the state to share ideas and to constantly update the development of science and mathematics education,” she said when opening the BICSME 2015 at the Grand Ballroom, 1 Borneo, Kota Kinabalu last night.

Datuk Jainab added, these scientific meetings could examine, deliberate and discuss on current issues relating to curriculum, pedagogy, assessment and ICT technologies in science and maths.

The three-day conference started on 21^st to 23^rd September 2015 also saw the participation of academics from five countries namely, Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Denmark and Singapore.

A total of 184 participants and 3 keynote speakers were involved in the conference. - (fl)

Various activities were held including a Merdeka Speech Competition, Patriotic Songs Competition and Children’s Fancy Dress.

The programme, which received the full support of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs and Alumni, Associate Professor Dr. Ismail Ali who were present at the function also featured 20 children who took part in the fancy dress competition divided into two categories; Category A (1-3 years old) and Category B (4-6 years old).

With the concept ‘Sehati Sejiwa’ Malaysia Day, the variety of clothing worn by the participants showed their enthusiasm in celebrating the National Day.

The programme was officiated by the Director of Curriculum and Student Development (PKPP), Associate Professor Dr. Raman Noordin.

Also present were the Head of Student Affairs Department, Azmi Jumat; Director of UMS Sports Centre, Mohd Asyraaf Abdullah and Director of Alumni Centre, Mohd. Raffie Janau. – SS (fl) 

Source: Norhana Nordin, HEP

Dean of FKSW, Professor Dato’ Mohd Hamdan Adnan said, the peace enjoyed by the country especially Malaysia today should also be preserved to maintain peace and harmony.

“The world today is witnessing conflicts everywhere, making us live in a world filled with violence.   Statistics on the number of refugees or migrants are sufficient to explain the security threats faced by these people in their own country until they are forced out of their homeland.

“Peace is not the responsibility of the government alone but the people who actually play a bigger role in maintaining peace in the world,” he said when opening the UN International Peace Day Celebration at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Main Auditorium UMS.

Citing the example of the tragedy of the Rohingya community in Myanmar, Dato’ Hamdan said, Malaysians should be thankful for being able to live peacefully together and practice their religious beliefs without any problems.

“Let us practice peace-keeping, active in peace movement, not just as a mere observer,” he added.

Various programmes were held in conjunction with World Peace Day in UMS, that included knowledge-sharing on issues of global peace through the keynote address by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Richard Towle and an open session forum with him, poetry by FKSW lecturer, Professor Dr. Siti Zainon Ismail, Mohd Fuad Bebit and Ramzah Dambul, as well as singing and music presentations by the students of FKSW. – (fl)

By: Mohd. Affzanizam Mohd Amin
Picture: Ernest Berinus
FRIDAY, 18 SEPTEMBER – Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) hosted the 1st Borneo Book Fair which begins yesterday until 21 September.

The book fair held at the 1Borneo Shopping Mall was the result of recommendations of the Council of Academic Publication Council of Malaysia (MAPIM) that suggested UMS through UMS Publisher organises a book fair that includes not only Sabah and Sarawak but Brunei and Kalimantan Province, Indonesia.

UMS Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr. Mohd Harun Abdullah said, the organisation of Borneo Book Fair among others  was to encourage and promote the culture of reading among the people of this country.

“Through this exhibition and sale of various genres of local and foreign literature, will provide more exposure and selection for visitors to buy these reading materials.

“It is hoped that this book fair will help in promoting academic books in addition to a wide range of academic and non-academic books,” he said at the opening ceremony of the event.

He added that the organisation of the Borneo Book Fair was expected to support the efforts of the government and the private sector in fostering regional cooperation between Brunei Darussalam, Kalimantan and territories under the BIMP-EAGA.

“The organisers also hope that this book fair will be made into an annual event and be included in the state tourism calendar,” he added. - (fl)