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.

Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu, has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) to develop and explore glowing mushrooms.

This collaboration signifies a crucial step toward researching, conserving and implementing sustainable harvesting practices for the rare glowing mushrooms native to the resort’s reserve area.

The resort and the institution share a commitment to environmental stewardship and the responsible use of this extraordinary natural resource.

“Our partnership with UMS is a meaningful stride in preserving the delicate ecosystem of our reserve area.

“Together, we aim to unlock the potential of glowing mushrooms for the benefit of science and society,” said Rasa Ria General Manager Fiona Hagan.

“Collaborating with Rasa Ria reflects our joint dedication to responsible exploration and conservation.

“We aspire to contribute valuable insights into scientific knowledge and innovation,” said UMS Director of Tropical Biodiversity and Conservation, Dr Fiffy Hanisdah Saikin.

The LOI sets the foundation for joint research and planning efforts, emphasising ethical practices, environmental sustainability and community engagement.

Yayasan Sabah Group (YSG) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Sabah Forestry Department (SFD) and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) on the Bioprospect Project and Development of Wild Fungi, Wild Ginger and Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (TUB) at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).

It is an effort towards sustainable development and the conservation of the biological resources of Sabah.

Yayasan Sabah Director Dato’ Sri Gulamhaidar Khan Bahadar signed on behalf of YSG, while SFD was represented by Chief Conservator of Forests Datuk Frederick Kugan and Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Kasim Haji Mohd Mansur for UMS.

State Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif, who witnessed the signing, commended the collaborative effort made thus far by the Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry (NRECC) and SFD for supporting and channelling funds in preserving and conserving natural resources and the efforts of YSG and UMS in making the TUB project a success.

The TUB project intends to discover species of wild fungi and wild ginger in Sabah, particularly Tuhau, which has high commercial value potential to be marSome of the wild fungi, wild ginger and medicinal and aromatic plants. keted in the future as a proactive approach towards addressing global food security issues.

The project has been carried out in the YSG’s conservation areas, namely Danum Valley, Maliau Basin and Imbak Canyon, besides the Innoprise-FACE Rainforest Rehabilitation Project (INFAPRO) and Innoprise-IKEA Tropical Forest Rehabilitation Project (INIKEA) and other Permanent Forest Reserves in Sabah.

As stated in the signed MoA, the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK12) Federal Fund has successfully allocated RM5 million to the TUB project for five years, beginning in 2021 and ending in 2025.

“This project also aims to produce PhD and MSc graduates in related fields, and to develop a collaborative network between academia and government agencies in the research field.

“In addition, this project has produced novel product and bio-chemical prototypes and integrated technological knowledge through demonstrations, publications and workshops to local communities and entrepreneurs.

“I am confident that this TUB project will encourage progress in the field of research and development and led innovation, including in the downstream sector for the production of commercial products that will offer economic opportunities and ensure the sustainable management of natural resources in Sabah,” he said.

During the same event, Dr Mohd Arifin also launched two books namely the “Kehidupan dan Adat Suku Murut Tangala, Kg Inarad, Tongod” and “Kepercayaan, Ritual dan Adat Suku Tombonuo, Lingkabau, Sugut” that were published by YSG.

The event was followed by a seminar on the TUB project and the latest findings of the project that has been implemented, which was participated by 150 people from various departments, agencies, organisations and institutions.

The seminar was aimed at raising awareness, particularly regarding the significance of the importance of protecting Sabah’s forest resources.