FRIDAY, 29 JULY – Realising the importance of volunteerism, the Yayasan Sukarelawan Siswa (YSS), an entity under the purview of the Higher Education Ministry recently sent 50 student volunteers to participate in the “Green Summer Volunteer Campaign Vietnam 2016”.  The volunteerism, which started on 10 July and will end on 14 August is part of capacity building in training Volunteer Leaders.

Known in Vietnamese as “Mùa Hè Xanh”, is the 23^rd annual event held in Vietnam.  Malaysia, through YSS, became the only recognised foreign entity to join the volunteer campaign with the collaboration of the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Union.

UMS is represented by Asmah Kadir, Muhamad Ezyree Jakaria and Azizul Adzim Salimin.

During the five weeks duration, 50 volunteers from public and private universities, polytechnics, community colleges and teacher education institutes along with the Vietnamese students from Foreign Trade University, the University of Economics and Law and Ho Chi Minh City International University will carry out volunteer  work at Tan Thong Hoi Commune, in the Cu Chi District, and two more at Nhon Duc and Long Thoi Commune, in the District of Na Bhe.

The delegation of Malaysian volunteers is represented by YSS chairman Datuk Zuraidah Atan, who has been coordinating the joint mission collaborations since 2012.

The concept introduced by YSS is part of the first core of the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2015-2025 (Higher Education), which is to produce holistic, entrepreneurial and balanced graduates through experiential learning.

Source:  Nurlina Arappe, YSS MOHE

FRIDAY, 29 JULY – Being committed and having a clear direction are two pillars that were the bases to the success achieved by the Association of Management and Professional Staff Non-Academic UMS (PPUMS) in ensuring that the objectives of the association were achieved.

According to the Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Professor Datuk Dr. Mohd Harun Abdullah, during the 11 years since PPUMS was established, it was obvious that the association had a clear direction other than being committed to the association’s objectives, enabling PPUMS continue to be active and brought about benefit to its members.

“I urged PPUMS to be prompt to remain relevant as an association to be reckoned with, by its members, amongst officers and other UMS staff,” he said when officiating the closing ceremony of the 10^th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of PPUMS held at the Banquet Hall, Dewan Canselor, UMS.  Also present was the Registrar of UMS, No’man Hj. Ahmad; Chief Librarian, Dyg Rukiah Ag Amit, and President of PPUMS, Azmi Jumat.

Datuk Harun added, besides ensuring the welfare of its members, PPUMS should also emphasise on improvements in helping UMS deliver its policies approved by the university, besides acting as a role model to support staff.

At the AGM, PPUMS Executive Committee presented report on the latest development of the association, while adding additional proposals for discussion.

The meeting ended with an Aidilfitri reception that was attended by all PPUMS members and its guest of honour. – (fl)

THURSDAY, 28 JULY – Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) joined the #Meriah Bah Raya in conjunction with the Sabah Federal Civil Service Staff gathering at the Sabah Federal Government Administrative Complex (KPKPS), recently.

The event was officiated by the Federal Secretary, Datuk Borhan Dolah.

UMS was represented by the Corporate Relations Division (BPK) that served local-made biscuits, and a kampung-style booth decoration.

UMS media survey found that all staff of KPKPS and the public participated in the joyous occasion.

Even with the ethnic and religious diversity, the event showed the harmony and peace among the community in Sabah celebrating together the ‘Meriah Bah Raya’. – SM (fl)

THURSDAY, 28 JULY – Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Professor Datuk Dr. Mohd Harun Abdullah always emphasises on teamwork, discipline and harmony in the workplace to ensure UMS continue to move forward.

He said, he did not want factionalism exists in UMS as this was not only a bad habit and a hindrance to having close working relationship with colleagues but also impedes the university’s efforts to attain success.

“Knowledge is the basis to all progress and achievements of an organisation, and I believe the positive attitude which I mentioned earlier would enable UMS’ direction be realised,” he said.

Datuk Harun said the university not only produce intelligent individuals, but more importantly produce Malaysians who live in unity harmoniously in their diversity.

“We must also have collaborations with the local, national and international  industry players,” he added.

He said this when asked to comment during an exclusive interview with the Borneo Post at his office recently on his expectations in relations to bringing UMS in achieving success,. – SS (fl)