FRIDAY, 25 APRIL – Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd. Harun Abdullah called on all Schools, Centres, Institutes and Units (SPIU) in UMS to strive towards increasing their research based on the Malaysian Research Instrument outlined by the Ministry of Education (MoE).

He said, through the seven main criteria outlined in MyRa such as the quantity and quality of researchers, quantity and quality of education, quantity and quality of postgraduate students, number of innovations, income generation through commercialisation and professional services, network and research network, and accredited laboratory and library facilities, UMS scored a three star rating in the self-assessment last year.

“This is the highest achievement so far, and if every SPIU cooperate and work hard to plan and execute research activities, we could then achieve a five star rating in the MyRa score, which would contribute towards excellence in research and innovation of the university,” he said. He said this when officiating the UMS Researchers Awards 2013 at Dewan Bankuasi (Banquet Hall).

He added that with the establishment of three new units; the Food Safety and Technology Unit under the School of Food and Nutrition (SSMP), Energy Research Unit under the School of Engineering and Information Technology (SKTM), and the Borneo Archeological Research Unit under the School of Social Sciences (SSS), which added to 18 research units in UMS that would encourage research and innovation efforts.

At the award ceremony, SKTM lecturer, Kenneth Teo Tze Kin was declared the winner of the Researcher Award in the Science Category for the year 2013, whilst School of Science and Technology (SST) lecturer, Dr. Chong Khim Phin was awarded the Young Researcher Award for the Science Category 2013. The School of Psychology and Social Work lecturer, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Balan A/L Rathakrishnan was awarded the Hopeful Researcher for 2013. – MA (fl)

 

Media and Citra Division
Chancellery Department
 

THURSDAY, 24 APRIL – A total of 34 undergrads of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Sports Science Management underwent a sports and recreational activity recently at Kiulu River Bug and Zip Borneo. Under the supervision of Sports Science lecturer, Hasnol Nordin; the group under the Sports and Recreation subject encamped for two days and underwent various fun filled activities such as Flying Fox, Abseiling and Water Rafting.

 In addition to gaining experience and increasing knowledge, the programme aimed to provide opportunities for undergrads to interact and appreciate the surrounding natural beauty.

The first day started at Zip Borneo with the undergrads preparing their military-style camping ground pitching their camp beds as their resting place. They were then given a briefing by Hasnol and the management of Zip Borneo.

They then started their activity by doing abseiling, followed by flying fox. Armed with good safety precaution, every student showed their dedication in every assignment and challenges given.

On the second day, the undergrads had their experience in water rafting at Kiulu River. They were earlier given a briefing on the safety aspects, handling methods and ethics before being divided into six groups. Each boat used were supervised by the Kiulu River Bug supervisors as a safety precaution.

The undergrads were seen to have enjoyed all the activities. They described them as healthy which gave them an exciting experience and fostered closer rapport among themselves. – (fl)

 
Source : School of Education and Social Development

 
Media and Citra Division
Chancellery Department
 

THURSDAY, 24 APRIL – Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) alumni emerged winner in the state level 1Malaysia Speech Competition (Non-Malays) held in Pulau Sebatik, Tawau recently.

Richard Chai, a graduate of the School of Social Sciences (SSS) beat five other contestants to win the title subsequently representing Sabah to the national competition in Miri, Sarawak in June.

Richard who represented West Coast South, edged participants from Interior North and Interior South, West Coast North, Sandakan and host Tawau representative as well as the competition favourite, Dexter Nilam.

The speech entitled ‘Kreativiti dan Inovasi Pencetus Kecemerlangan Bangsa’ or Creativity and Innovation, the Catalyst to a Nation’s Excellence by this host from the Department of Broadcasting Malaysia and newscaster in KKFM stole the judges’ and audience’s hearts and made him richer by RM1,500. He also received a trophy and certificate.

The opening ceremony and prize-giving presentation which was organised by the Department of Information Malaysia was done by the Sebatik State Legislative Assembly member, Datuk Abdul Muis Picho. – SS (fl)

 

Media and Citra Division
Chancellery Department

WEDNESDAY, 23 APRIL – The goal of the National Book Policy is to ensure that Malaysians have a high interest in reading and reads only quality literature.

In keeping with that goal, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Library will intensify its efforts to cultivate students’ interest in reading including staff of UMS by organising educational events.

According to Deputy Librarian, Sabaruddin Mamat, to instil interest in reading, UMS Library planned to organise a host of programmes in collaboration with other agencies such as the State Library and those related to books.

“The biggest challenge we faced was how to nurture the culture of reading and the appreciation of books because these are interlinked. Therefore, UMS Library will regularly organise activities involving the love of books and foster the culture of reading because through reading, we obtain many information and benefits,” he said when met at the ‘Let’s Read Together for 10 Minutes (LRT)’ which was held simultaneously throughout Malaysia yesterday morning.

Sabaruddin added that among the activities for this programme was, ‘Reading Campaign’, “Let’s Read’, ‘Book Chat’ and exhibition and will be continued to foster that interest.

“To boost these activities, UMS Library will create a number of awards to be given to library users, for example Most Read Award and many more to promote the culture of reading. This planning is for next year,” he further clarified.

LRT Programme is an integral part of this campaign which is conducted each year in conjunction with World Book Day involving government departments and agencies, higher education institutions, schools, statutory bodies, private sector, clubs including individuals with the purpose of fostering the reading habit among Malaysians. – CD (fl)

 

Media and Citra Division

Chancellery Department