TUESDAY, 24 DECEMBER – Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Head of Internal Audit Ismail Abdul Jalil who had served UMS as an Auditor since 13 years ago was feted in a simple retirement ceremony, yet meaningful especially for him.

This native of Rembau, Negeri Sembilan had been in the audit service for 40 years where he started as an audit clerk, and would be moving to Johor Bahru with his wife to enjoy his retirement years.

In his farewell speech, he thanked all colleagues especially Deans, Directors and Heads of Departments who had cooperated with his department in discharging their duties and responsibilities to promote integrity and accountability at the university level.

When he first set foot in UMS, he found that the university’s internal control systems compromised.

“I was determined to improve the internal control systems such as payments, receipts and others in the first five years. However, there were many more aspects that need to be improved. Starting as the lone auditor of the university, now the Internal Audit Unit has 11 employees, and I am very grateful to them for their commitment in carrying out any responsibilities relating to auditing,” said ‘Pak Mail’, as he was fondly called.

Meanwhile, UMS Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd. Harun Abdullah said Ismail’s retirement meant that the university had lost another hardworking and dedicated staff who had always send his audit reports to him. The Vice-Chancellor added that he was pleased with personality shown by Ismail.

“No doubt many things would go smoothly after an audit work has been performed. Thus, the university appreciates the efforts and contributions rendered by Pak Mail during his service to UMS,” he said. – MA

 

Media Division
Chancellery Department
 

MONDAY, 23 DECEMBER – A talk presented by leading preacher, Ustaz Don Daniyal Don Biyajid was well received by more than 200 participants at a seminar entitled ‘Prayers and Invocations With Ustaz Don Daniyal’ which was held at the Main Lecture Hall 2, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) recently.

The one-day programme which was jointly organised by UMS and Selangor International Islamic University College analysed the history and the philosophy of prayers and its importance to Muslims.

In his talk, he emphasised on the importance of keeping prayer regardless of rank and status of a person. He added that prayer is the key pillar in ensuring security in the world and the hereafter for a Muslim.

“A Muslim should know the immensity and beauty of prayers through the 13 Pillars of prayer,” he said. He also explained to the audience the wisdom of prayers in our daily life.

The Anti-Corruption Secretariat UMS, Abdul Khaidir bin Mohmad Adli; Head cum Main Committee member of the seminar was pleased with the response given by participants of the seminar.

He said the participants were not only from UMS but also from outsiders which clearly showed that programmes such as this would garner interest among local community.

“I hope we had helped unlocked the problem of understanding and confusion on prayers,” he concluded. – SM

 
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Chancellery Department
 

MONDAY, 23 DECEMBER – Prudent spending of allocation given by the Federal Government is the responsibility of all organisations in order to curb wastage.

As such, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) held a workshop on UMS Budget Consultation 2013 which was held recently to expound the financial position of UMS based on the budget approved by the Ministry of Education Malaysia (KPM).

The workshop which was organised by the Bursary Department of UMS among others also looked at ways to earn extra income at the same time reduce operating costs through strategic financial planning and cost-cutting measures.

UMS Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd. Harun Abdullah said at the opening ceremony of the workshop; as a statutory body, we should manage and spend according to the policies and regulations set by the government.

“It is the responsibility of the Treasury (PTJ) Head to implement activities based on the concept of ‘prudent spending’, and should be used based on our accountability as the controlling officer according to the Financial Procedure Act 1957 and Treasury Directive including the Finance and Accounting Rules of UMS,” he added.

Haji Rizal Othman also presented the 2013 and 2014 UMS Budget Scenario on budget and approval, comparison of income and expenditure as well as income generation for the university. – ZMD

 

Media Division

Chancellery Department

 

FRIDAY, 20 DECEMBER – Student Digital Screen Festival (FSDP) Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) which ended last night saw ‘Tanduo’ captured 6 awards including Best Film.

The movie ‘Tanduo’ which centred on the struggles of young children defending their village from the attack of intruders clinched the award for Best Visual Special Effects, Best Sound, Best Screenplay and Best Original Story, Audience Choice and Best Director.

“I am happy,” said Mohd Sopi, director and producer of the film ‘Tanduo’ who is also a third year student of Visual Art Technology Programme, School of Arts (SPS), UMS when met by Chancellery media.

“It took three months for me and 11 members of the production team to complete the film with many challenges such as budget, time, weather and lack of equipment,” he said.

He added that the idea of producing this 18 minute film initiated from the intrusion on Lahad Datu, Sabah that occurred earlier this year and that idea was translated into visual form which was well received by the audience as well as the panel of jury.

“I am fortunate and grateful to our lecturers who always give comments, criticism and advice throughout the making of this film,” said the winner who will be producing a sequel to ‘Tanduo’ in the near future.

According to the Festival Coordinator, M Fazmi Hisham, the organising of the event was to recognise the creativity and film production of UMS students.

“Besides recognition, students would be able to showcase and share their film production with students and audience through FSDP,” he added.

He further informed that the feedback from audience and viewers was to have FSDP open its doors to Public and Private Higher Learning Institutions in Sabah so as to have a healthy competition with the hope that it would produce better quality films.

The first of its kind, FSDP which offered 14 awards up for grabs received a total of 18 entries altogether, produced by students of SPS including entries from students of Labuan School of Informatics Science (SSIL), Labuan International Campus UMS.

Assistant Director of FINAS Industrial Training Unit, Zainuddin Aman officiated the FSDP award ceremony and also presented prizes to winners.

Also present was the Dean of SPS, Assoc. Prof. Abdul Jamal Abd. Hamid, Deputy Dean (Student Affairs), Dr. Zairul Anuar Md Dawam and lecturers from SPS, who also presented some of the prizes to the winners. – CD

 

Media Division
Chancellery Department