Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), through its Faculty of Computing and Informatics (FKI), has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Kota Kinabalu High School (KKHS) recently to establish a strategic partnership focused on advancing digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) education and promoting Sustainability Technology.

The signing ceremony, held at the FKI UMS recently marks the beginning of a collaborative journey toward developing a formal Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), which aims to solidify a long-term partnership in academic training, research, and community development with a shared vision of nurturing digital talent and driving sustainable innovation.

The LoI was formally signed by the Dean of FKI, Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Hanafi Ahmad Hijazi and Chairman of the KKHS Board of Governors, Datuk Ben Lim Kiat Kong.

Through partnership, both UMS and KKHS will focus on five strategic areas of collaboration aimed at equipping educators and students with future-ready skills and values.

The first area is AI Education and Training, where UMS will conduct a series of digital and AI-related workshops, courses, and training sessions for both KKHS teachers and students, covering the foundational knowledge in AI, machine learning, and data science.

In addition, the partnership will advance Research and Development (R&D) Projects by initiating joint research activities that involve educators and students from both institutions, where the initiatives will explore real-world applications of AI across a diverse range of sectors, including education, tourism, agriculture, healthcare, sports, and environmental conservation.

AI Competitions and Hackathons also will be jointly organized by both institution to encourage creativity, teamwork, and innovation, with the hope that through engaging digital and AI-based challenges, students will develop practical problem-solving skills in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

The fourth strategic area will be touching on the effort to champion AI for Community Development, with digital and AI-driven projects designed to enhance local communities, where the initiatives will focus on areas such as smart cities, environmental monitoring, and improvements to public services including education, tourism, agriculture, healthcare, and transportation.

Lastly, the partnership will promote AI Awareness and Ethics to emphasize ethical innovation and explore AI’s societal impacts by hosting seminars and discussions that highlight the responsible use of artificial intelligence which will be led by UMS experts.

Meanwhile, Ben Lim in his speech during the event, underscored the vital need to future-proof education in an age defined by rapid technological advancement and global challenges.

“This collaboration is a forward-thinking initiative that equips our teachers and students with critical digital skills and a mindset of innovation and responsibility.

“The education must evolve to meet the demands of the 21st century, where AI, automation, and digital transformation are reshaping every industry and aspect of society.

“Traditional classroom models must be complemented with cutting-edge digital learning, hands-on experience, and ethical awareness to cultivate adaptable, tech-savvy individuals who are prepared for tomorrow’s opportunities and challenges,” he said.

Mohd. Hanafi in his closing statement also conveyed his strong confidence that the collaboration between UMS and KKHS is not merely an academic agreement, but a strategic investment in the future of education and society.

“This partnership reflects our shared vision of preparing the next generation for a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

“By investing in AI education and ethical innovation at the secondary school level, we are not only shaping future scientists and engineers, but also responsible global citizens.”

“Aligns with Malaysia’s broader ambition to become a regional leader in AI and digital transformation, early exposure to AI concepts, hands-on learning, and ethical frameworks will empower students to navigate and contribute meaningfully to a world increasingly driven by intelligent systems and data-centric decision-making,” he said.

Mohd. Hanafi also expressed his optimism that the partnership would serve as a model for future collaborations between universities and secondary schools, fostering a culture of lifelong learning, interdisciplinary research, and community-driven impact.

Also attending the event Vice Chairman of the KKHS Board of Governors, Tan Sri Datuk Lim Pau Chang and Adviser Datuk Hiew Thien Choi.

McDermott and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) jointly announce the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) to collaborate on academic and industrial initiatives focused on building local talent and strengthening regional capacity in Sabah, a key energy hub for Malaysia.

The LOI outlines a framework for long-term cooperation with four UMS faculties: Computing and Informatics; Engineering; Science and Technology; and Business, Economics and Accountancy.

The collaboration includes industrial placements for students, joint research, educational projects, and co-curricular development to support a more skilled and industry-ready workforce.

It was formalized during the 2025 edition of the Energy Asia Conference and Exhibition, held in Kuala Lumpur recently, and also counts with the support of the Malaysian Investment and Development Authority (MIDA), for the commitment to local content in the country.

According to Chairman of UMS Board of Director, Datuk Seri Panglima Abdul Rahman Dahlan, through the collaboration, UMS and McDermott are aiming to align academic learning with industry requirements, bridging skill gaps and supporting sustainable growth.

 “It supports our goal of nurturing high-impact graduates equipped for the energy sector.

“McDermott’s industry leadership and clear focus on regional development make this a meaningful step toward expanding Sabah’s role in the national economy,” he said.

Meanwhile, McDermott’s Senior Vice President, Subsea and Floating Facilities, Mahesh Swaminathan said the partnership reflects McDermott’s continued investment in Malaysia’s future.

“This being done by supporting academic-industry collaboration and strengthening local capabilities, particularly in Sabah.

“It builds on the broader local content and workforce development initiatives already underway across the region and reinforces our commitment to advancing opportunities where they are needed most,” he said.

MIDA’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Investment Promotion and Facilitation, Sivasuriyamoorthy Sundara Raja also agreed that the LOI is a strong example of how industry and academia can collaborate to support Malaysia’s vision of becoming a regional hub for high-value talent and innovation.

“McDermott’s focus on capacity building reinforces our national goal of building a competitive and regionally inclusive energy sector,” he said.

The initiative also supports knowledge sharing, corporate social responsibility activities, and research aligned with industrial needs and contributing to Malaysia’s broader push for inclusive growth and innovation-led development.

Also present during the LOI signing ceremony the UMS Vice Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Kasim Hj. Mansor.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), through its Borneo Marine Research Institute (BMRI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), the French Embassy in Malaysia, and eight secondary schools across Sabah, successfully organized a beach clean-up event to promote environmental awareness and sustainable coastal management.

The participating schools included Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Elopura (Sandakan), SMK Tandek (Kota Marudu), SMK Sanzac (Kota Kinabalu), SM St. Michael (Penampang), SM Sains Sabah, SMK Pinawantai (Kudat), SMK Labuan, and SMK Tebobon.

Held at Likas Bay Public Park, the initiative brought together more than 150 volunteers comprising students and staff from UMS, officers from NRES, the Department of Mineral and Geoscience, the Department of Meteorology, and representatives from the French Embassy.

The joint clean-up effort resulted in the collection of approximately 60 bags of waste, weighing a total of 402 kilograms. Items collected included plastic debris, fishing nets, and other non-biodegradable materials.

Deputy Chief Secretary (Development) of NRES, Datuk Nor Yahati Awang emphasized the value of collective action.

“Our beaches are vital ecosystems and heritage sites. We are grateful for the support of UMS, local schools, and the French Embassy, which highlights the international concern for ocean health,” she said.

Dominique Husken-Ulbrich, representing the French Embassy, also acknowledged the commitment of the local community.

“France remains committed to supporting global and local initiatives that align with the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals. Today’s clean-up demonstrates the positive impact of cooperation between educational institutions and diplomatic partners.”

Dr. Madihah Jaffar Sidek, Head of UMS’ Marine Science Programme, expressed appreciation to all participants for their dedication to marine conservation.

She noted that the clean-up is part of a broader initiative to instill environmental stewardship and engage youth in conservation across Sabah.

The beach clean-up is one of several activities under BMRI UMS’ annual Ocean Celebration, held in conjunction with World Ocean Day, Coral Triangle Day, and World Sea Turtle Day.

TASHKENT - Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) is expanding its international partnerships following a successful academic visit to the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies (TSUOS) in Uzbekistan, led by UMS Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr. Kasim Hj. Mansor.

The UMS delegation was officially received by Rector of TSUOS, Professor Rikhsieva Gulchekhra Shavkatovna, in a move that marks the beginning of a comprehensive collaboration between the two institutions in tourism, language education, and cultural exchange.

Kasim in a statement noted the strong alignment between both universities in tourism education, adding that the collaboration is timely.

“Sabah has earned global recognition as an eco-tourism destination.

Attractions such as Sipadan Island, Mount Kinabalu, and the Maliau Basin continue to draw visitors from Europe, China, Japan and Korea.

At UMS, our tourism programme prepares students to become future leaders in this vital and growing sector,” he said.

He added that, in terms of academic exchange, both universities agreed to organise a bilateral online seminar in the field of tourism, noting that both TSUOS and UMS offer well-established programmes in the area.

“The tourism programme at Tashkent University is among the best in the region, while UMS also has the same programme offered.

“The seminar will be done as soon as possible to ensure both academic staff can interact and collaborate—followed by matching funding and joint publications

“The seminar will be coordinated with Head of the Department of Tourism at TSUOS, Associate Professor Khusanov Chari Kadirovich,” he said.

Kasim also stated that the visit reflects UMS’s ongoing efforts to internationalise its academic programmes and reinforce Sabah’s positioning as a regional leader in tourism, biodiversity, and cultural engagement.

The visit began with a tour of the university’s museum, guided by Director of the High School of South Asian Languages and Literature, Dr. Nilufar Khodjayeva, who introduced the historical and academic significance of TSUOS in the field of Oriental studies.

A major outcome of the meeting was the agreement to initiate a student summer camp and academic mobility programme between the two universities, focusing on Community-Based Tourism (CBT). The initiative aims to deepen cross-cultural understanding and expose students to sustainable tourism practices.

The visit also included the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) to formalise the relationship between UMS and TSUOS, with Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) is expected to follow within three months.

Language collaboration was also a key part of the discussion, as TSUOS is among the few institutions in Central Asia offering Malay Language studies, led by Dr. Nilufar Khodjayeva.

The universities agreed to explore a visiting lecturer’s programme involving both TSUOS and UMS to promote academic mobility and cultural diplomacy.

Also present during the meeting were Head of the Institute of Languages and Literature of Eastern People, Dr. Mirzakhmedova Hulkar; and Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and International Cooperation, Professor Dr. Abdullayev Nodir Abdulkhayevich, who expressed full institutional support for long-term collaboration.

Accompanying the Vice-Chancellor on behalf of UMS were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Ir. Dr. Rosalam Hj. Sarbatly; UMS Registrar, Luqman Ridha Anwar; and Director of the Chancellery Office, Hasmi Hashim.