FRIDAY, 12 SEPTEMBER – Three Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) undergrads were selected to carry out Student Volunteers Mission in Luang Prabang, Laos starting today.

They were Asmah Kadir and Mohd Syafiq Rosley from the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Heritage (FKSW) and a student from the Faculty of Business, Economics and Accountancy (FPEP), Ainnelin Chong.

All three will be stationed there until 30 September to carry out volunteering mission with other volunteers from Public Higher Learning Institutions (IPTA), Teachers Training Institutes (IPG), and Polytechnic.

When approached before their departure, the three volunteers were enthusiastic and committed to bring honour to UMS by highlighting examples of good leadership to other volunteers.

According to Asmah, despite having to sacrifice lectures for two weeks, that did not deter her and her friends to emerge as UMS icons, thus have the opportunity to share experiences and volunteer mission tips for community programmes especially in Sabah, in future.

“In Laos, we will carry out volunteer mission works in two schools, the Ban Napho Primary School and Ban Tinkeo Primary School. Three approaches will be undertaken in implementing this voluntary works; through education, computer teaching and social work.

Elaborating further, Ainnelin Chong explained that under the educational approach, they will carry out the teaching of English, Mathematics and Fun Learning.

“In addition, under the social work approach, the group will make a special mini-library for the students there, as well as improving the furniture and walls of the schools, and decorate the schools with murals.

Mohd Syafiq intended to use this volunteer mission as a platform to strengthen diplomatic ties between the two countries.

“Among the challenges in this volunteer activities are to provide a module for effective teaching, with language and cultural differences it further complicate the use of effective communication to the students in Laos. Fortunately, previous volunteer mission experience had taught us invaluable experience and guidelines,” he said.

The Student Volunteer Mission Programme conducted for the second time comes under the Student Volunteer Foundation, the Ministry of Education in line with the goal of public universities in creating community undergrads. – MA (fl)


Photo: Student Affairs and Alumni Department, UMS


Media and Citra Division
Chancellery Department

 

FRIDAY, 12 SEPTEMBER – The presence of the Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) at the Orientation Week or Minggu Suai Mesra (MSM) closing ceremony 2014 Labuan International Campus UMS level recently brought cheer to new undergrads at the campus.

Upon arrival at the Main Hall, Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd Harun Abdullah who was accompanied by UMSKAL Director, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Murnizam Haji Halik, were given a rousing welcome by about 856 new undergrads as a sign of gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for being present at the ceremony.

In his speech, Dr Harun wanted UMSKAL undergrads to maintain the good reputation of the university, their parents and country wherever they were especially when joining any programme or activities outside the campus.

He added that as ambassadors of the university, they should play a greater role in promoting UMS among society especially their parents, guardians and hometown folks.

He hoped that the undergrads will use the space and opportunity to gain knowledge while in the ivory tower to create excellence and success in raising the name of UMS in the higher education arena within the country and abroad.

Datuk Harun was proud of the dedication of the new undergrads who gave a strong commitment throughout the MSM. – SS (fl)


Source: Azri Onn


Media and Citra Division
Chancellery Department
 

FRIDAY, 12 SEPTEMBER – Through a smart-partnership with a local construction company, UMS Clock Tower is now being build without using the university’s allocation, thus saving the university’s existing financial allocation.

According to the Head of Chancellery Department, No’man Hj. Ahmad, the university was indeed lucky as the local construction company was previously involved in the construction of a building in UMS and consider this as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in UMS by contributing to the construction of the clock tower according to the concepts set by the university.

“UMS is indeed lucky as the company helps finance 100% of the cost in constructing this clock tower. This means UMS would have a Clock Tower standing majestically in its campus without the need to spend anything.

“Even though the company is willing to consider this as part of their CSR, the concept, quality and construction planning will always be monitored by both sides,” he clarified.

He also denied that this is unethical act, in fact UMS gave the construction company to do their CSR as a way to show their support towards UMS aspiration that had been doing many local and national community development.

“To prevent from being bound to any agreement through the construction of this clock tower, UMS has taken the approach to choose the company that meets the criteria set,” he added.

UMS Clock Tower was initiated by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd. Harun Abdullah, and scheduled to be officiated in November, the highlight of the 20^th anniversary celebrations of UMS. – (fl)


Photo: Ernest Berinus


Media and Citra Division
Chancellery Department