TUESDAY, 18 OCTOBER – Universiti Malaysia Sabah Islamic Centre (PIUMS) recently organised a ‘Ziarah Fillah’ Programme at Surau Al-Hidayah Kampung Giling Laut Tuaran.

According to the Director of PIUMS, Dr. Mohd. Suhaimi Taat, the programme among others aimed at disseminating knowledge and religious obligations for the community of the village thus improving the implementation of solat that adhere to hukum and sunnah.

“Besides Tahsin Solat course and Managing of the Dead, the programme fosters closer relationship between UMS and the local community,” he said when officiating at the programme.

“UMS Islamic Centre are always ready to share knowledge with the community in the village whenever there is a need,” he added.

Also present was the Chairman of Surau Al-Hidayah, Muslin Jaim.

The one-day course attracted 90 participants comprising villagers of Kampung Giling Laut, and UMS staff. – (fl)

Source: Islamic Centre, Universiti Malaysia Sabah

TUESDAY, 18 OCTOBER – Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) achieved remarkable improvement when it achieved four star rating in the Malaysian Research Assessment (MyRA®) 2015.

The official results of the MyRA® rating was announced by the Director of Higher Education Institutions Excellent Planning Division, Higher Education Department, Minister of Higher Education, Prof. Dr. Raha Abdul Rahim.

The announcement was made in an official letter dated 13 October 2016 addressed to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd Harun Abdullah.

Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd Harun in a statement expressed his gratitude with the achievement as a significant improvement proven by the cooperation from all UMS community.

“Since 2013, the MyRa® rating climbed to three stars; we are thrilled with the latest recognition to four stars in 2015.

“This is a collaboration from all staff and students of UMS who always give strong commitment and support to the management in bringing the university to a higher level,” he said.

MyRA® assessment is based on eight main criteria namely Quantity and Quality of Researchers, Quantity and Quality of Research, Quantity of Postgraduate, Quality of Postgraduate, Innovation, Professional Services and Prizes, Networking and Outreach, as well as Support Facilities. – (fl)

MONDAY, 17 OCTOBER – A total of 35 students from Beaufort Vocational College attended the dance workshop at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), recently.

The dance workshop was conducted by cultural artists from the Culture and Arts Division, Student Affairs Department held at the Taekwondo Hall UMS.

Among the dances taught were Sabah traditional dances including Sazau, Mengiluk, Malay dance Zapin and Sarawak traditional dances.

According to a statement issued by the Division, the visit was aimed at sharing dance knowledge to the college students as well as developing their dance talent.

Three UMS cultural artists, Ahmad Raffiandie, Norain Abd Razak and Resty Cindy had the opportunity to share their dance knowledge with the participants of the programme. – (fl)

Source: Norhana Nordin, HEPA

MONDAY, 17 OCTOBER – The Housewives and Women Staff Club Universiti Malaysia Sabah (KESUMBA), Labuan International Campus (KAL) took the initiative to open a Biz & Beat KESUMBA Café Lounge to cater to the needs of staff and students who  need to have their breakfast and lunch without having to leave the campus.

Chairman of KESUMBA KAL, Hayati Salleh Baihaki said, Biz & Beat KESUMBA Café Lounge located at Level 11, Tower Building Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Labuan International Campus (UMSKAL) supports UMS aspirations for a healthy and conducive environment for its staff.

She said since starting operation on 2 February 2016, the Biz & Beat KESUMBA Café Lounge could reduce the time wasted looking for eatery outside during breaks, and would also increase employees work productivity and reduce the case of absenteeism during working hours.

“The prices offered at the lounge are according to the rates specified as we also have students patronising the café besides staff of UMSKAL,” she said.

She said this during the launching of the Biz & Beat KESUMBA Café Lounge, UMSKAL at KESUMBA Café Level 11, UMSKAL Tower on 15 October 2016.

The opening ceremony was officiated by the President of KESUMBA, Datuk Baidah Ibrahim.

Also present were the Vice-Chancellor of UMS cum Advisor of KESUMBA, Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd Harun Abdullah; Director of UMSKAL cum Adviser of KESUMBA KAL, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Murnizam Hj Halik, and Acting Bursar of UMS, Zallifah Shadan. – (fl)