The Nutri-Connect 1.0 programme held by Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition (FSMP), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) at Kampung Libang, Ranau recently was an effort by the university to enhance healthy eating education among the communities.

According to the FSMP Head of Nutrition Programme, Dr Norliyana Aris, the programme was aimed to provide nutrition education to bring about healthier and happier communities, as well as to offer hands-on learning experiences to the students.

“It is in line with the strategy of the National Nutrition Policy 2.0 which aims to empower individuals, families, and communities as agents of change and take ownership of their nutritional well-being.

“Various activities were conducted, including nutrition screening, nutrition counselling, healthy plate and food pyramid education, physical activity challenge, guess the sugar in drinks and salt in food, and healthy cooking, which took part by more than 50 participants from all age groups, women and men,” she said.

She added that the programme gets positive response from the villagers, where they mention that such activities provided knowledge and raised awareness, and hope that the programme will be conducted continuously in the future.

“Hence, we aim to empower the community to become Health Nutrition Ambassadors in Nutri-Connect 2.0 in the future. 

“Participants will be invited to Train-the-Trainers activities which will provide knowledge and skills for a healthy lifestyle and sustainable nutrition,” says Dr Norliyana.

Meanwhile, the programme coordinator, Dr. Noor Atiqah Aizan Abdul Kadir, who also hails from Ranau, pointed out that healthy food is the foundation for good health and wellbeing. 

“This programme provided insights into self and family care through good nutrition which takes into account local culture.

“We hope that this programme is beneficial to the community in Kampung Libang, Ranau, to bring about healthier eating and a positive impact on their health and wellbeing,” she said.

Also involved in the programme, Nutrition Programme lecturers, Dr. Nur Hanisah Azmi, and Dr. Ramlah George @ Mohd Rosli, as well as 28 Nutrition students who also conduct the activities throughout the programme. 

Renowned preacher, scholar, and Islamic figure, Ustaz Dr. Abdul Somad Batubara, has been appointed as an Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Islamic Studies (FIS), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).

The appointment letter was presented by UMS Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Professor Dr. Shahril Yusof, on behalf of UMS Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Kasim Hj. Mansor, to Ustaz Dr. Abdul Somad in a brief ceremony held at the Eureka Room, UMS Labuan International Campus, recently.

The ceremony was also attended by Sabah's Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Datuk Dr. Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif; Director of UMS KAL, Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Rizal Abdul Hamid; FIS Dean, Professor Dr. Mohd Dahlan Hj. A. Malek, and UMS officials.

In his speech, Prof. Shahril stated that this recognition reflects the outstanding achievements and invaluable contributions of Ustaz Dr. Abdul Somad in the field of Islamic studies, both locally and internationally.

“Ustaz Dr. Abdul Somad Batubara is not only a prominent scholar but also a thinker dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and education in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Nusantara region, and globally, whether through social media or in-person lectures.

“Therefore, his appointment as an Adjunct Professor is not merely a personal honor but also a recognition of the academic excellence he has attained,” he said.

Shahril added that Abdul Somad’s experience in Islamic studies could contribute significantly to FIS by enhancing the quality of teaching and research as well as aiding in the development of relevant and high-quality curricula aligned with contemporary needs.

“May the appointment of Ustaz Dr. Abdul Somad Batubara as an Adjunct Professor at FIS inspire the university community, particularly students, to continue striving for excellence in their respective fields.

“God willing, his presence will bring positive synergy, creativity, and a spirit of collaboration that will enrich the academic journey of the Faculty of Islamic Studies and Universiti Malaysia Sabah as a whole,” he said.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and Seoul National University (SNU) have organized ‘SNU in the World Program + Social Responsibility in Malaysia’, recently.

Under the supervision of Prof. Young Woon Lim of the School of Biological Sciences SNU, Associate Prof. Mi Sun Park of SNU Social Responsibility, Associate Prof. Bumjo Oh of College of Medicine, SNU and Associate Prof. Dr. Jaya Seelan Sathiya Seelan of the Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ITBC) UMS, a group of 21 SNU undergraduate students visited Sabah from 5th to 21st January 2024.

The program included various activities by SNU and the Faculty of Tropical Forestry, UMS.

During those two weeks program, the students were exposed to the lectures of biodiversity and conservation related to elephants and entomology which were delivered by two ITBC Senior Lecturer, Dr. Nurzhafarina Othman and Assoc. Professor Dr. Mahadimenakbar Mohamed Dawood, respectively.

On the last day at UMS, the SNU-UMS Environment Forum was held with lectures entitled diversity and role of marine-derived fungi by Prof. Young Woon Lim (SNU) and NGO's effort for protecting marine life and limitation by Michael Yap (TAME).

The Forum included students' talk about marine biodiversity and culture booths.

Students from SNU learned about Malaysian biodiversity throughout the program and shared their opinions about marine biodiversity loss and corresponding solutions with UMS students in today’s forum.

The Faculty of Business, Economics, and Accounting (FBEA) Appreciation Ceremony at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) serves as recognition for the faculty staff.

FBEA) UMS Dean, Assoc. Prof. Dr. RahimiR Abd Karim, stated that the ceremony has become an annual event to celebrate FPEP staff for their efforts, achievements, and contributions in the fields of academia, research, and community engagement.

According to him, FBEA is not merely a faculty; it is the backbone driving UMS towards excellence.

Therefore, he said, the appreciation ceremony serves as an important platform to foster spirit and motivation among academic and administrative staff to continue striving for excellence in every task.

“I am proud to witness the extraordinary achievements delivered by the FBEA staff.

We firmly adhere to the idea that excellence is not just a goal but must become a culture within our organization.

“The spirit of teamwork and commitment are key elements shaping our success,” he said during his speech at the recent ceremony.

The event was further graced by the presence of UMS Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Kasim Mansor, who expressed his support for FBEA management's efforts in organizing such an event.

He also commended the faculty management's initiatives in ensuring the university’s excellence agenda is always prioritized and achieved.

The appreciation ceremony inspires every effort and contribution, no matter how small, as essential in shaping the future of FBEA and UMS as a whole.

This initiative encourages staff to remain motivated and work towards maximizing their potential, aiming for excellence as the target to deliver the best services to the community and the nation.