IPBwipoWEDNESDAY, 30 JULY - The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has recently published a patent develops at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). The international patent (Number: O2014011024 A1) relates to the production of recombinant fish growth hormone in bacteria using a synthetic genomics approach. Natural growth hormones are a benign alternative to chemical growth hormones as they were derived from the fish itself.
 
Unlike chemical compounds, recombinant hormones based on proteins break down naturally in the body of the fish itself and are not deemed to be a threat to consumers. The product has application in the aquaculture industry and can facilitate the reduction of the time spent for culture of fish as well as lead to a more efficient conversion of feed.
 
The patent was developed as part of the research work being carried out by Fernandes Opook, from Kudat, who is a Masters student specialising in recombinant DNA technology in bacteria at the Biotechnology Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah.
 
This technology enables the expression of a wide range of protein coding genes in bacteria and is highly economical, as bacteria can be cultured in laboratory fermenters, and requires a minimal financial investment. The gene is introduced into the bacterial host and proteins can be recovered within 24 hours of culture, following which they are purified and developed into ready to use products.
 
Recombinant DNA technology is the mainstay of the Biotechnology Industry and the production of recombinant proteins has not been carried out on an industrial scale in Malaysia. Once established, this technology can contribute significantly to the economic growth of the biotechnology industry. The principal investigator involved with the project, Dr. Kenneth Rodrigues is of the opinion that training more Sabahan scientists in recombinant DNA technology will facilitate the development of Sabah as a biotechnology hub in the near future.
 
The biotechnology industry, in most other countries has been founded on the development of local talents, who then attract financial investments and initiate the process of consolidation. It is hoped that this achievement by a young Sabahan researcher will serve as an encouragement to students who intend to take up a career in biotechnology. – (fl)

 


Source: Borneo Research Institute, UMS


Media and Citra Division
Chancellery Department
 

 

post anak seni yatimSATURDAY, 26 JULY – The underpriviledged continue to receive attention when many are busy preparing to celebrate the Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Recently, the Sabah Society of Local Art (POST’S) in collaboration with the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Heritage (FKSW) organised an Iftar dinner called Malam Imtihan Kasih Perdana hosted in honour of the orphans and less fortunate children.

Deputy Dean of Student Affairs, Alumni and Postgraduate FKSW, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Haji Baharudin Mohd Arus when opening the charity event said the involvement of students of Arts in such programme was important as arts programme could be translated into entertainment to bring joy to the underpriviledged children present.

“The event assisted by students from the creative arts industry is able to educate them to not ignore their responsibility to this group and able to foster the spirit of volunteerism.

“Hopefully this event will continue to be held and to include more organisations and government agencies including the private sector to ensure the success of this charity programme,” he said.

Meanwhile, more than 60 children from Sekolah Kebangsaan Taman Ria, Tuaran, Sekolah Kebangsaan Malawa Ria, Sepanggar and Sekolah Kebangsaan Sanzac Kota Kinabalu received gifts and cash at the event. The contributions were presented by POST’S President, Janrywine J Lusin. – MA (fl)


Media and Citra Division
Chancellery Department
 

PPIB yatim1SATURDAY, 26 JULY – Centre for the Promotion of Knowledge and Language (PPIB) organised a programme called Sejambak Kasih with the orphans at As-Sakinah Orphanage, Lok Kawi, Papar recently.

The programme was participated by 26 staff of PPIB and held during the month of Ramadan, which also became a community service programme of the centre.

Several activities were carried out such as gotong royong to clean and decorate the area, Tazkirah Ramadan by Ustazah Dg. Hafizah Ag. Basir, Iftar, Solat Maghrib, breaking of fast with the As-Sakinah inmates including donation to the orphans.

The event was also attended by Director of Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (YADIM) Sabah Zone, Haji Samin Ongki.

In his welcoming speech, Samin was grateful to those who came to the orphanage, especially from UMS, which often organise such programme.

Meanwhile, Dean of PPIB, Prof. Dr. Vincent Pang in his speech hoped that more such programmes would be carried out so as to instil in the children to be excellent in their education.

He also urged them to continue their studies at UMS in future.

At the end of the programme, Prof. Vincent presented contributions in terms of clothing, books and duit Raya to all those at the As-Sakinah Orphanage besides donating money to the orphanage fund. – SS (fl)


Source: Nelson Justin Adeh, PPIB


Media and Citra Division
Chancellery Department
 

vc jumpa lee weeFRIDAY, 25 JULY – Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd Harun Abdullah presented cash contribution of RM5,000 to Lt. Commander Lee Vee Weng, husband of the late Ng Shi Ing, a lecturer with UMS who was involved in the MH17 fatality.

The contribution was presented in a meeting with Lee in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

According to Datuk Dr. Mohd Harun, UMS had submitted the late Ng’s pension and other payments due to the Public Service Department (PSD).

“UMS also mourn the loss of a lecturer who was very hardworking, dedicated and friendly,” he added. Also present was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Dr. Shahril Yusof, Dean of the Faculty of Psychology and Education (FPP), Prof. Dr. Ismail Ibrahim and an officer with the Chancellery Department, Syahrul Hazizi Asmat.

Meanwhile, Lee thanked UMS for its concern and unwavering support given.

The sadness surrounding Lee could be seen, mourning for the loss of his beloved wife and son who was involved in the 17 July fatality.

Ng Shi Ing along with her one year old son and a sister were among 298 passengers and crew who died in the plane crash, believed to have been shot down by rebels at the Russian-Ukrainian border. – SS (fl)


Media and Citra Division
Chancellery Department
 

umskal tahfizFRIDAY, 25 JULY – Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) continues to hold various activities in conjunction with the holy month of Ramadan.

Recently, UMS through its Labuan International Campus (UMSKAL) branch delivered aid to Madrasah Tahfiz Sri Merinding.

The UMSKAL delegation was headed by its Assistant Bursar, Mohd Anuar Abdullah who represented UMSKAL Director, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ismail Ali.

The contribution in the form of daily necessities was delivered to the Principal of the Madrasah, Haji Arif Aliskah.

The Madrasah housed 30 students aged between seven and 22 years old and hailed from Sabah, Sarawak, Peninsular Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam. – SS (fl)


Source: Azri Onn


Media and Citra Division
Chancellery Department
 

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