FRIDAY, 2 SEPTEMBER – New students of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) were reminded to comply with the acts, statutes, rules and regulations enforced by the university.

Vice-Chancellor of UMS, Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd Harun Abdullah said, this is not intended to restrict freedom in the university but to shape students who are disciplined, and do not pose a problem to any party.

“Steer clear from taking part in activities that could threaten the safety and harmony of this country.

“Do not be easily influenced or follow other elements whose agendas are vague, as this will only jeopardise your future.

“When dealing with such activities, your studies would be neglected and you will lose your focus, while your soul tries to rebel, the university’s management will not compromise such behaviour that violates rules and discipline,” he said.

He said this in his speech during the Pledge Taking Ceremony of new students for the 2016/2017 Academic Session at Dewan Canselor (Chancellor Hall).

He said, the Pledge Taking ceremony would hopefully assist students of UMS in determining their own objectives.

“Do not doubt your intention of stepping into the ivory tower.

‘When you set foot in UMS, there is only one goal, that is to acquire knowledge in order to achieve your ambition,” he stressed.

Also present at the ceremony was the Chief Minister of Sabah cum Pro-Chancellor of UMS, Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman. – (fl)

THURSDAY, 1 SEPTEMBER – Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) through its Psychology and Social Health Research Unit (UPPsiKS) recently organised a Workshop on Introduction and Practical Psychology with the students of Technical College Foundation  (KTYS).

Held at the Seminar Room 5, FPP, the workshop was aimed at creating awareness amongst the rural communities on the existence and services of UPPsiKS, and what it can offerto the public throughout Sabah.

According to UPPsiKS Head, Dr. Ferlis Bullare, besides attending lectures, the participants also had the opportunity to visit and see for themselves the facilities offered such as hypnotheraphy, Bio-Neuforfeedback, and personality testing tool available at UPPsiKS.

“It is hoped that this workshop would provide useful information to all the participants, thus able to increase their motivation,” he said.

The lectures given were on ‘Understanding happiness and personality , EQ and the Role of Hypnotheraphy, Introduction and Application of Neurofeedback presente dby Dr. Ferlis and two lecturers from FPP, Dr. Lailawati Madlan and Jasmine Adela Mutang.

The one-day workshop was attended by 50 students of KTYS. - (fl)

TUESDAY, 30 AUGUST – Various activities were held by various organisations in conjunction with the Independence Day 2016 celebrations.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Centre for Sustainable Minds (PML) once again successfully held the Independence Day celebration, which was participated by the children of PML, staff and the Parents Teachers Association (PTA).

The event officially opened by the Registrar of UMS, No’man Hj Ahmad, saw the ‘Jalur Gemilang’ and Sabah flag prominently flown with the chilren at PML singing patriotic songs.

In his speech, he praised PML in organising such programme that was deemed useful especially in fostering a sense of independence early in the children’s life.

“This not only cultivate in them a deep sense of patriotism, but also in creating a society that is loyal to the country and will appreciate the true meaning of freedom,” he said.

He added that the present generation also need to understand the concept of independence in a broader perspective that is not only free from being colonised but also free from any form of influence and negative elements.

“Being independent is meaningless if our thoughts are still being colonised.  We need to be independent from external influences, independent and free from negative influences,” he added.

At the event, the children at PML dressed according to the theme of independence.

Also held was an Educational Talk on Being Debt-free, presented by the Director of Putra & Associates, Etiqa Takaful Berhad, Haji Pangeran Putra Haji Pangeran Omar.

Also present were the Director of PML, Aidah Noordin, and Assistant Registrar cum Chairman of the Independence Day Celebrations 2015, Faddili Kasin. FF (fl)

TUESDAY, 30 AUGUST – The ‘10 km Merdeka Run to UMS Peak’ organised by the Welfare, Recreation and Community Engagement Committee (KARIB), Centre for the Promotion of Knowledge and Language (PPIB) held recently saw a healthy sign-up of 80 participants.

The event featured two categories namely Men and Women categories, with the chance to win prizes such as hampers, electrical goods and kitchen items for those participating.

According to the programme organiser, Veronica Petrus Atin, the run was aimed at reinforcing the appreciation of independence day among UMS community and others, at the same time promoting a healthy lifestyle in conjunction with the Merdeka month.

The event saw Kenson emerged as champion in the Men’s Category, winning the cash prize of RM200, a trophy and certificate, whilst the Women’s Category was won by Bibot Juma.

The second and third places were won by Romario and Jowey for the Men’s Category, whilst the Women’s Category was won by Awina Khamis and Shenny Liaw, respectively.

They each brought home cash prize of RM100, a trophy and certificate for the 1st runner-ups, whilst the third prize winners received RM50 cash, a trophy and certificate.

The first 25 runners who completed the run in each category received a medal and a certificate, with each participant receiving a certificate and race packs containing UMS t-shirt, running card and drinks.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs and Alumni, Associate Professor Dr. Ismail Ali flagged-off the event, accompanied by the Dean of PPIB, Associate Professor Dr. Jualang Gansau @ Azlan Abdullah. – (fl)

Source: PPIB

MONDAY, 29 AUGUST – Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) new student admission increased to 4,579 for the 2016/2017 academic session, a slight increase from 4,481 compared to the previous session.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr. Mohd Harun Abdullah,  47% were from Sabah.

“Out of this number, 2,107 students are from Sabah, while 52 percent are from Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak with 1,927 and 377 students respectively.

“The rest are international students totalling 168 from several countries including China, Brunei, Germany, South Africa, Indonesia, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Jordan, Korea, Vanuatu and Timor Leste,” he said.

He explained that the admission for international students increased by 30 persons compared to the previous record of 138.

“This increase is due to the active promotion internationally by the university through education fairs in attracting foreign students to study  in UMS.

“UMS also collaborates with external parties and other agents to promote and get more international students to come to UMS,” he said.

He added that a total of 13 special needs students (OKU) were also admitted to UMS besides 100 places reserved for students who were from the bottom 40% of household income (B40) through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) UMS.

“This CSR is an initiative of UMS in fulfilling its responsibilities to ensure that poor students could continue their studies to university level,” he said. – (fl)