Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) has taken a significant step toward global academic integration through a high-level visit to Aydin Istanbul University in Turkey, forging new pathways in research, academic mobility, and engineering collaboration.

Led by UMS Vice Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Kasim Hj. Mansor, the visit resulted in the signing of a Letter of Intent (LoI), signalling the two universities’ commitment to formalising a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) later this year.

According to a statement by UMS’s Faculty of Engineering, the discussions between the two universities were focused and forward-looking, with central to the engagement was UMS’s potential participation in the Erasmus+ Programme, the European Union’s flagship initiative for education, training, and mobility.

“This would pave the way for structured student and staff exchanges, joint curriculum development, and co-supervision of research — providing UMS students and academics with valuable access to international classrooms, laboratories, and networks.

“Engineering emerged as a key pillar of the partnership, with both institutions explored opportunities for joint research and academic exchange in high-impact areas such as renewable energy systems, green materials technology, and environmental engineering.

“These are not only priority research themes at UMS but are also aligned with Malaysia’s and Türkiye’s broader sustainability goals,” according to the statement.

The statement also noted that another major outcome of the dialogue was UMS’s invitation to participate in the Delightful Istanbul Summer School, which is scheduled from 26 July to 9 August 2025.

“The programme offers credit-bearing modules taught in English, providing UMS students with cross-cultural exposure in a globally diverse academic environment.

A boutique edition of the programme — Delightful Late Summer Cyprus — will be held from 23 to 30 August in Kyrenia, offering a Mediterranean learning experience combining academic rigour with cultural immersion.

“Looking ahead, both universities are planning to co-organise the STAR Global Conference 2025 in Istanbul this October, which UMS will serve as part of the advisory and academic committee, lending thought leadership and regional expertise to the international forum,” the statement noted.

During the visits, UMS delegation was received with great hospitality by the Rector of Aydin Istanbul University, Prof. Dr. Ali Sınağ, along with senior officials from the International Directorate, Mr. Gurkam Donat; Director of International Affairs, Asst. Prof. Osman Gultekin; Coordinator of International Academic Relations, Mr. Faruk Seferi; and Ms. Ayten Nahide Korkmaz.

Accompanying the UMS Vice-Chancellor were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) and Advisor to the Oil and Gas Engineering Programme at the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Ir. Dr. Rosalam Hj. Sarbatly; UMS Registrar, Luqman Ridha Anwar; Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Abu Zahrim Yaser; Head of Mechanical Engineering Programme, Dr. Mohd Kamel Wan Ibrahim; Head of Oil and Gas Engineering Programme, Dr. Norfazliana Abdullah; and Director of the Chancellery Office, Hasmi Hashim.

Universiti Malaysia Saba h (UMS) and the Federal Territory Mufti Office have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in academic and research development.

The agreement encompasses a range of strategic initiatives, including joint research projects, scholarly publications and in-depth studies on religious issues, Islamic economics, Islamic law and community development.

The MoU was signed by UMS Vice Chancellor, Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor and the Federal Territory Mufti, Datuk Dr Luqman Abdullah.

On Tuesday, a symbolic launching ceremony was officiated by UMS Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Industry and Community Network), who also serves as the director of the Centre for Industry Collaboration and Engagement, Prof Dr Coswald Stephen Sipaut @ Mohd Nasri, together with the Deputy Mufti of the Federal Territory, Jamali Mohd Adnan.

According to Kasim, whose speech was read by Coswald, the MoU will allow both institutions to share expertise through specialised training programmes aimed at enhancing professional skills.

Additionally, they will collaborate on data sharing and resource exchange for academic and research purposes.

"The Federal Territory Mufti Office's expertise, particularly in religious sciences and fields such as moon sighting observations, can further cultivate students' and faculty members' interest in research and scholarly activities at UMS," he stated.

Kasim also emphasized that this partnership aligns with UMS's ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with key institutions in Malaysia, ultimately elevating the quality of education and research at the university.

A total of 386 students from the Faculty of Science and Natural Resources (FSSA), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), were celebrated at the Dean’s Award Ceremony for Semester 2, Session 2023/2024, which was recently held at the Banquet Hall, UMS Chancellor Hall.

The ceremony aimed to recognize the outstanding achievements of students who have demonstrated exceptional performance in their studies, including 18 students who achieved a Semester Grade Point Average (SGPA) of 4.0, proving their academic excellence at UMS.

The Dean of FSSA, Prof. Dr. Jualang Azlan Gansau, in his speech, expressed his appreciation to all parties who played a crucial role in the students' success, particularly the parents and faculty members.

He also emphasized the importance of lifelong learning to ensure that students remain relevant and are prepared to face the increasing challenges of the working world.

"This success not only reflects the students' hard work but also the dedication and support from lecturers and family members.

"I hope this excellence will continue and serve as an inspiration and motivation for other students to strive for success," he said.

During the event, two outstanding student representatives, Arman Idlan Haidis from the Biotechnology Program and Yvone Tse Iyi Wen from the Marine Science Program, shared their experiences and challenges throughout their studies.

Also present at the ceremony were the Deputy Dean of Academic and International Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Darmesah Gabda; Deputy Dean of Student Affairs and Alumni, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chee Fuei Pien; FSSA Chief Administrator, Aidah Noordin; and Director of the Dean's Award Ceremony, Ts. Dr. Abu Bakar Abd Rahman.

The ‘On-Site Learning’ activity was conducted by a group of 61 second-year Civil Engineering students, from the Faculty of Engineering (FKJ) at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) took place at Sandakan, recently. 

FKJ lecturer Sr. Ts. Br. Dr. Asmawan Bin Mohd Sarman, who guided the students in successfully organizing the program, stated, “This visit to the construction project of the Children’s Education Park and Training Complex for the Disabled serves academic purposes, introducing students to the ‘3D’ elements of construction: Difficult, Dirty and Dangerous. This exposure allows them to experience the real project execution environment and prepare for future career challenges,”.

The program director, Atalarick Firman Syach Bin Suhaini, highlighted the added value of this activity through interaction with professional engineers. “We received great cooperation from JKR Sandakan, and I am grateful for the knowledge gained and the questions raised by classmates. Everyone enjoyed the experience while learning something new. For me, as the program director, this is a success,” he shared.

The program was conducted as part of the KA21102 Contract and Estimation course in collaboration with JKR Bandaraya Sandakan Sabah, Babankong Sdn Bhd and Rigi Development Sdn Bhd. During the site visit, participants were accompanied by lecturer , Sr. Ts. Br. Dr. Asmawan Bin Mohd Sarman and site engineers who provided detailed explanations about the construction processes of the projects.

Additionally, the program served as a reunion of alumni. Alumni such as Ms. Nur Elfira Afifa Binti Mansor, an officer and engineer at JKR Bandaraya Sandakan Sabah, and Mr Azamawi as the engineer, symbolize the importance of early exposure in building a civil engineering career. Their achievements showcase how UMS alumni can excel and demonstrate competence in the engineering industry , inspiring students to achieve similar success.

Ms. Nur Elfira noted that this program , held for two consecutive years at JKR Bandaraya Sandakan Sabah, offers valuable exposure to construction site conditions. “My advice is for students to gain as much knowledge as possible by working on-site with suppliers or contractors to understand what needs to be known for future use,” she stated.

Mr. Azamawi, the engineer and UMS alumni, also remarked, “This program is excellent for gaining hands-on site experience, where students can ask questions to enhance their knowledge.”

Through the ‘On-Site Learning’ program, students were able to strengthen their bonds and enhance their enthusiasm for exploring new knowledge. It is hoped that this experience will help students directly understand the practical applications of their studies and better prepare them to face challenges in the real construction industry.