THURSDAY, 31 MARCH – The Science Cluster at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) comprising the Faculty of Science and Natural Resources (FSSA), Borneo Marine Research Institute (IPMB), the Institute of Biology and Conservation (IBTP), Biotechnology Research Institute (IPB) and Preparatory Centre for Science and Technology (PPST) recently joined hands to help the villagers of Kampung Lentuong, Karambunai.

According to FSSA Dean, Professor Dr. Baba Musta, the project that was a social corporate responsibility (CSR) of the cluster involved the restoration of the mosque which was in a dilapidated state.

“We are very grateful  as this five-week project also had the help and support from individuals and outside agencies that have contributed to the fund,” he said in a statement.

He said, the villagers of Kampung Lentuong had also provided cooperation and had enabled the programme to run smoothly.

“It is hoped that this project would benefit the people of the village as a whole,” added Dr. Baba.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the village surau, Lakin Rajin expressed his gratitude and was touched by the concern shown by UMS community.

“We are very grateful for the concern and the community value shown by the university staff who were involved and hope these charitable causes would be continued in future,” he said.

The charity project has been named the Best Charity Project, in conjunction with UMS Maulidur Rasul celebration recently, and saw the Science cluster named Al-Jawwad team winning the top spot for three consecutive years.

Source: Kenny Uwai, FSSA

THURSDAY, 31 MARCH – A total of 30 participants recently took part in the Malay Dance Workshop “We are One” organised by the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Art and Culture Club.

Head of the Art and Culture Division of the Student Affairs Department, Alan James said, the programme was organised to bring together dance enthusiasts besides improving the quality of this art at the university.

“In addition to that, the programme provides exposure and new experiences to the participants in the concept of Malay dances such as inang, zapin and joget,” he said at the closing ceremony of the programme held at the Taekwondo Hall, UMS.

The three-day workshop was conducted by Suhaimi Magi, an experienced lecturer in the field of traditional and creative works now attached to the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Heritage, UMS.

The workshop was participated by dance enthusiasts from among UMS main campus and Labuan International Campus students and was also attended by the Director of the programme, Ahmady Radi. – SS (fl)

Source: Norhana Nordin
Photos: Jalani Moksin

WEDNESDAY, 30 MARCH – The Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Professor Datuk Dr. Mohd Harun Abdullah reminded the campus community to always practice integrity in their daily affairs.

Speaking during his 2016 message at Dewan Canselor (Chancellor Hall) today, Professor Datuk Harun stressed that corruption should be shunned and  eliminated altogether among the campus community.

“If we were caught in corruption, what ever position you hold, it would destroy the image of this beloved university,” he said.

He added that although working as civil employees and wage earners would not make one enjoy a luxurious life, but we should uphold our dignity, self-respect and principle on the basis of religious beliefs.

“Don’t be hoodwinked with the lure of money, nor ensnared with wealth, what is important is our sincerity to work with integrity that bring us to everlasting wealth.

“Only with sincerity can we be united, be one in mind, to accomplish the purpose of this university in order to always move forward and progress ahead,” he urged.

About 3,000 campus community that included staff and students attended the event themed ‘UMS Moving Forward in Unity’. – ZMD (fl)

Photo: Suzeanywati Gasinin

WEDNESDAY, 30 MARCH – Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) would be the first university in Malaysia to offer an eco-tourism package in the campus through its EcoCampus Visitor Information Centre (EVIC) scheduled to begin in April this year.

This was stated by the Vice-Chancellor of UMS, Professor Datuk Dr. Mohd Harun Abdullah in his message in conjunction with the Vice-Chancellor’s Message 2016: UMS Moving Forward in Unity, at the Dewan Canselor (Chancellor Hall) this morning.

According to him this initiative was in line with the launching of “Malaysia 101 Edutourism Packages” by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) through the University Community Transformation Centre (UCTC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the Tourism Malaysia on 15 August 2015 that centred on the concept of tourism in the campus by offering tourism packages based on education.

“EVIC Centre at the Faculty of Science and Natural Resources (FSSA) would be the centre for tourism information and tour packages in UMS, with the key component of this centre to include the gallery and tourist information counter, centralised ticketing purchases and tour packages including a gift shop.

“To make EVIC more interesting, apart from the unique landscape, and eco-café would also be built for the convenience of visitors to UMS, and would be expanded further to include FSSA lake area where it would be further developed into an “EcoCampus Park” that would also be made into a major tourist attraction in the future,” he said.

He added that so far there were five tour packages offered by UMS, which included daily and overnight packages based on Green Tourism and Nature Tourism.

“The five packages are Gallery and Museum Tour, Nature Delight Tour, Architecture Heritage Tour, Sunset Tour and Nature Education Camp.

“EVIC would also serve as a centralised ticketing sales and facilitate the purchase of tickets to the intended locations.

“In addition, buggy cars that uses electric energy would also be made available to tourists who want to enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding campus, thus helping to reduce carbon footprints,” he said. – MA (fl)

Photo: Suzeanywati Gasinin

http://www.ums.edu.my/v5/images/stories/berita_attach/Mac_2016/KKTMBUGAYA.jpg TUESDAY, 29 MARCH – The Residential College Student Welfare Committee (JAKMAS) for Tun Mustapha Residential College (KKTM), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) in collaboration with the KKTM Secretariat Council recently organised the Borneo Exploration Programme Series 1 that was organised by Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Bugaya, Semporna.

KKTM Head, Dr. Mohamad Nizam Nazarudin said the programme was held in preparation and exposure for the Pre-university students on the reality of a student life at the university before stepping into the ivory tower.

“In this programme, the participants were also given briefed on the need to understand some facts about themselves before applying for admissions to Higher Learning Institutes,” he said when met after the event.

He added that among the activities held was a talk called “Towards the Top”, which exposed the students to their direction after completing their secondary schooling.

“A Group Training (LDK) was also held aimed at improving the leadership quality of students and working in a team,” he added.

The programme based on leadership was held for five days at KKTM involving 30 undergrads and 34 Pre-University students of SMK Bugaya and eight teachers. – (fl)

Source: KKTM