A significant breakthrough in the study of fungi has been achieved with the discovery of Phaeoclavulina cokeri in UMS Hill, Sabah, Malaysia, marking the first recorded instance of this species in the region.

This exciting discovery was made by a group of children participating in the Friends of BORNEENSIS (FOB 2024) program consists of Muhammad Aqil Fahmi Mahadimenakbar (SMK Tebobon), Muhammad Daniel Ashraff Abdullah (SMK Likas) and Cleasha Joiee Alfius (SM All Saint), an initiative that emphasizes hands-on learning about biodiversity.

Phaeoclavulina cokeri, a coral fungus known for its distinctive branching, coral-like structure, was originally classified under the genus Ramaria by British mycologist E.J.H. Corner during his studies in the 1960s.

However, in 1976, a taxonomic revision based on genetic and morphological analysis led to its reclassification into the genus Phaeoclavulina.

The fungus is characterized by its pale yellow to reddish-brown color and its role in forming mycorrhizal associations with trees, playing a vital role in forest ecosystems by facilitating nutrient exchange and contributing to soil enrichment.

This new record of Phaeoclavulina cokeri in Sabah is particularly significant as it is more commonly found in North America, China, India, and parts of Southeast Asia.

The last recorded sighting of this species in the region was over 60 years ago. The discovery has sparked excitement among researchers and highlights the potential for further exploration of Sabah's rich fungal diversity.

In addition to Phaeoclavulina cokeri, the children consist of Sean Ho Min Jun (SM Lok Yuk Kota Kinabalu), Eory Glory Dharius (SK Rungus) and Isaac Sin Sang (SMK Likas) also encountered another rare species: Marasmius elegans, commonly known as the velvet parachute fungus.

This species, which features a reddish-brown cap and a whitish stipe with white hairs at its base, is typically found in the eucalyptus forests of Australia.

The species was first described as Collybia elegans by Australian mycologist John Burton Cleland in 1933, and later transferred to the genus Marasmius by Cheryl Grgurinovic in 1997.

The discovery of Marasmius elegans represents another new record for Malaysia, further solidifying the importance of fungal research in the region.

The dual discovery of these two rare species underscores the need for continued biodiversity research in Sabah. It also showcases the value of involving youth in such efforts, as their curiosity and enthusiasm can contribute to important scientific breakthroughs.

"This discovery not only enriches our understanding of fungal diversity in Sabah but also emphasizes the untapped potential that exists in our forests," said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fiffy Hanisdah Saikim, Director of the Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (IBTP), which organized the Friends of BORNEENSIS 2024 program.

As the region’s mycological knowledge continues to grow, further studies on these newly discovered fungi will be critical in understanding their ecological roles and ensuring the preservation of Sabah's unique biodiversity.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Sabah Bird Watcher Association (SBWA) as both parties were keen to cement the on-going collaboration in a signing ceremony at UMS Campus.

The Dean of Faculty of Business, Economics and Accountancy (FBEA), UMS, Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Rahimie Abdul Karim signed on behalf of UMS, while the President of SBWA, Ron Pudin signed on behalf of SBWA.

According to a statement by Director of Borneo Tourism Research Centre (BTRC), at FBEA, UMS, Associate Professor Dr. Balvinder Kaur Kler, BTRC has supported the activities of SBWA since it was registered in September 2022.

“Among the collaboration between BTRC and SBWA is both parties and other partners hosted a five-day Shorebird workshop with international participants in 2022, and a Raptor workshop in 2023.

“These courses were led by expert field ornithologists and provided Continuous Tourism Related Education (CTRE) points for registered tour guides.

“SBWA members have also been invited to share their both knowledge of birding as a hobby and birdwatching tourism as a niche market with UMS tourism students,” said Balvinder.

She added that SBWA was working closely with the local tourism authorities to engage rural communities in nature conservation by encouraging the development of birdwatching activities for its economic potential.

“SBWA hopes to expand birding as a healthy, outdoor activity for families and for the youth of Sabah as some of Borneo’s endemic birds are at the doorstep.

“Borneo is home to 688 bird species, 66 of which are endemic to the island and six of which can only be found in Sabah, so both parties are excited about future collaborations which will draw on UMS experts across disciplines who are able to contribute to sustainable birding tourism for rural communities,” she said.

Balvinder also noted that BTRC has participated at the 12th Asian Bird Fair and will also be participating this weekend at the ‘Winged Wonders’ birding event hosted by Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Reserve, where the schedule includes a bird race, exhibitions, talks and plenty of activities for children.

“Birdwatching is already a high yield niche market in Sabah attracting international tourists, but there remains immense untapped potential for birdwatching for example as an activity for schoolchildren, youths or as a family activity.

“Birdwatching is a suitable hobby for the people of Sabah, but there is a need to spread awareness of the immense educational and conservation values inherent within this activity.

“Birdwatching is a healthy hobby in the outdoors which could strengthen social bonding, well-being and develop an awareness of bird conservation,” said Balvinder.

Also present at the meeting was SBWA Treasurer, Samson Shak, and SBWA Exco, Albert Aseh.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) through a collaboration involving three faculties, namely the Faculty of Computing and Informatics (FKI), the Faculty of Science and Natural Resources (FSSA), and the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSK), with GAC Shipping (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd recently.

According to a statement by FKI UMS, among the areas of collaboration planned and to be implemented are involving industrial training for students from the faculties at GAC worldwide

“This collaboration also aimed at providing students with opportunities to gain international-level experience in the fields of IT, Science, Marine and International Relations.

“GAC Malaysia also agreed to explore research opportunities and agreed to carry out Corporate Social Responsibility activities with UMS this year in conjunction with celebrating 30 years of GAC's establishment in Malaysia and the 30th anniversary of UMS.

“Through this collaboration, UMS sees it as a positive step for the three faculties in raising UMS's name on the global industrial stage,” according to the statement.

Among the UMS attendees during the ceremony FKI Dean, Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd. Hanafi Ahmad Hijazi; Dean of FSSA, Prof. Dr. Jualang @ Azlan Abdullah Gansau; Dean of FSSK, Prof. Dr. Asmady Idris; Deputy Deans, Head of Programmes and Senior Officers of UMS.

While GAC Malaysia was represented by Managing Director of GAC Cargo System (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and GAC Shipping (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Herman Jorgensen.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) is raising the bar in educational outreach and research through U-science, a pioneering Citizen Science initiative within the university’s broader Open Science movement.

Since its transformation from a Science Gallery in 2020, U-Science, housed under the UMS Library, has quickly become a national leader in promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematic (STEM) education.

U-Science seeks to foster scientific inquiry and exploration among diverse groups, especially the younger generation, through various interactive and engaging programs.

A key focus of U-Science is advancing the Citizen Science movement, encouraging citizens to engage in scientific research and data collection. These efforts align with the global Open Science initiative, promoting more transparent, accessible, and collaborative research.

UMS is also leading international collaboration through the OPEN-ASIA project, working with strategic partners from the Netherlands, Finland, Slovenia, India, and Malaysia to promote and implement Open Science practices across borders.

Prof. Ir. Dr. Rosalam Hj. Sarbatly, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation at UMS, who leads this transformative project, is committed to keeping the university at the forefront of educational and research innovation.

“Our goal is to make science accessible and engaging for everyone, especially young people. Through U-Science, we are fostering a culture where every individual can be a scientist, contributing to the creation of new knowledge.

“This is aligned with the vision of Vice Chancellor of UMS, Professor Datuk Dr. Kasim Hj. Mansor, in leading towards innovative society which focuses on the young generation,” said Rosalam.

In June 2024, UMS reaffirmed its commitment to Open Science when Mr. Md Sazali Md Salleh, Chief Librarian of UMS, attended a key workshop at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

As a core member of the OPEN-ASIA project, Mr. Sazali focused on benchmarking best practices in Citizen Science from international partners to integrate into UMS’s programs.

Dr. Lim Thien Sang, Director of the Flexible Education Centre at UMS, also attended the workshop. He is responsible for developing an Open Science module for a postgraduate program to integrate these principles into UMS’s academic offerings and enhance the training of future graduates.