WEDNESDAY, 01 JUNE – Eight lecturers from the Faculty of Business, Economy and Accounting (FPEP), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) paid a working visit to Kota Tarakan from 30 May and ends on 2 June.

The visit among others focussed on continued discussions related to joint-research between researchers and lecturers from Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Tinggi (STIE) Bulungan Tarakan, Indonesia.

The results of the discussion led to more than 10 research projects suggested by FPEP and six from STIE which included business, economy, tourism and management of Sabah and Kota Tarakan in Indonesia.

According to the Head of STIE, Drs R. Philipus, the collaboration with FPEP UMS was the first conducted by STIE and a foreign university.

He believed that UMS being among the best universities in Malaysia, would produce high impact research results through the collaboration of researchers from UMS and STIE.

“This would set a precedence on ‘across the border’ collaboration thus complementing the harmonious relationship of these two countries, Malaysia and Indonesia,” he said.

Meanwhile, FPEP lecturer, Professor Dr. Arsiah Hj Bahron who was the head of delegation said many new ideas were developed through research from both entities that shared the same border along Borneo Island and Kalimantan.

“Besides forums, researchers from UMS also held field work, interviews and data collection for four days at Kota Tarakan.

“FPEP, UMS will also sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the near future to strengthen and enhance collaboration with foreign institutions such as STIE,” she said.

The second visit by FPEP, UMS to STIE, Indonesia hoped to boost further across the border collaboration, besides other academic activities.

STIE lecturers are expected to make a visit to Sabah so as to complete the research results from both sides.

Source: Jakaria Dasan, FPEP

WEDNESDAY, 1 JUNE – UMS ASEAN Day held for the very first time at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)Library recently was to increase the level of understanding particularly amongst university students on the culture and general knowledge of the 10 member countries in the Southeast Asian region.

Organised by the Student Ambassadors and International Students of UMS in collaboration with the Centre for International Affairs UMS (PHEA), the four-day programme aimed to create awareness of ASEAN and the ASEAN countries, and to promote the involvement of students within and outside the country among others.

UMS Chief Librarian, Dg. Rukiah Ag. Amit said during the launching, UMS itself had a number of students from the ASEAN region, thus their involvement in the promotion of the ASEAN countries would encourage the exchange of ideas and knowledge on the culture of each country.

“This programme provides a variety of activities including exhibition, games, poetry-reading competition, and film screenings dedicated to UMS students and outsiders as a way of providing and understanding of the ASEAN countries thus instilling the ASEAN spirit amongst students.

“It is hoped that this event does not end here but will become an annual event of the university,” she added.

Meanwhile, Director of PHEA, Molly Donna Awang Sham said she was very pleased with the participation and cooperation of UMS students, be it local or international.

“The programme has achieved its objective of bringing together and promoting cooperation among leaders of local and international students, they are the young generaton of tomorrow and would continue to uphold the ASEAN spirit,” she added.

Also present at the ceremony were the Consul-General of Indonesia, Akhmad Daya Haudasah Irfan, Consul-General of Negara Brunei Darussalam, Pg. Hajah Nooriyah PLW Pg. Haji Yussof and the Executive Officer of the Ministry of Foreign  Affairs, Regional Office, Sabah, Mohd. Adham Yahaya. – MA (fl)

FRIDAY, 27 MAY – A total of 100 Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) staff who took part in the Rentas Borneo 2016 (RB16) began their journey to Kampung Puun Batu, Nabawan today.

All participants rode in 26 four-wheel-drive vehicles (4WD) provided by UMS Four Wheel Drive Volunteers Club (UMS4WDC).

Crews from Radio Television Malaysia (RTM), State Health Department (JKNS) and Keningau FM also participated in RB16.

The programme which will be held until 30 May will conduct various activities with the villagers such as health and medical check-ups, drawing and colouring competition for primary school pupils and a four-wheel drive demonstration.

There will also be cultural performances, Unduk Ngadau competition, football and volleyball and a handing-over of donated clothing to the villagers.

The flagging-off ceremony was officiated by a member of the Board of Directors of UMS, Datuk Dr. Hj. Yusof Hj. Yacob at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences UMS.

Also present were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Professor Dr. D Kamarudin D Mudin and the Chairman of RB16 who is also the Dean of the Faculty of Psychology and Education UMS, Professor Dr. Ismail Ibrahim. – (fl)

THURSDAY, 26 MAY – UMS Investment Holdings Sdn Bhd (UiNVEST) has signed a memorandum of agreement with Professional and Management College (KLIA College) at the Gallery, Chancellery Building, today.

This agreement would enhance cooperation between the two parties in the field of development capability and development ability to support the education sector more dynamically.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the Board of UiNVEST, Datuk Awang Buhtamam Awang Mahmun said, the memorandum of agreement acted as a platform to promote UMS Degree programmes (by Coursework) in Kuala Lumpur and made KLIA College as UMS Centre for External Education (PLUMS).

“This would be the main focus of graduates as well as those with careers who want to pursue their studies to a higher level by offering a Master of Business Administration Programme (MBA) and Master of Human Capital Management (MHCM) in Kuala Lumpur.

“This agreement also outlines the responsibilities of both parties to ensure the programmes offered are in accordance with the education rules set by the university,” he explained.

With the signing of the memorandum of agreement, it would strengthen cooperation between the two sides and share their expertise through academic and research, as well as producing quality human capital resource to support sustainable development.

Also present was the Chairman of UMS Board of Directors, Tun Zaki Tun Azmi. – (fl)

Photo: UiNVEST