THURSDAY, 19 NOVEMBER – UMS Press once again shines at the National Book Award 2015 when it brought Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) to media attention for being chosen as the recipient for the Best Premier Award (Government Agency).

The selection process was done by the National Book Award Professional  Panel, chaired by Datuk Wira Dr Abdul Latif Abu Bakar who is also the Head 1 of GAPENA.

The criteria taken into account in the selection process included amongst others, the quality of publication and the number of publications.

The National Book Award was organised by the National Book Development Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) established in accordance with the government’s desire to develop the reading culture so that Malaysians would always be ahead in information, knowledge and know-how.

The National Book Award is open to all writers, publishers and book industry players to be given due recognition and incentives.  For the year 2015, more than 30 categories were introduced.

The award presentation ceremony was held on 26 November 2015 and was officiated by the Deputy Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid bin Hamidi, at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC).

The event is held in conjunction with the Malaysia Book Expo, which is held from 25-29 November 2015, organised by the National Book Development Foundation in collaboration with Universiti Kuala Lumpur, GAPENA, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) and the National Library. – (fl)

Source: Anicius Justin Adeh, Publications Officer, UMS Publisher

By Faezah Mohamad Dun

Photo: Ramdan Saleh Nain

The commissioning was  carried out by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Associate Professor Dr. Ismail Ali, who is also the Honorary Assistant Commissioner of Civil Defence.

According to Dr. Ismail, the commissioning among others was a platform to express the spirit of volunteerism that exists among students and the community who are ready to join the Civil Defence Department Malaysia (JPAM).

“Based on the trainings provided, it is no doubt that it would help SISPA in training as well as testing their mental  and physical ability of UMS SISPA cadets,” he explained.

Dr. Ismail also hoped that the civil defence skills and knowledge such as first aid, fire-fighting, technical rescue and many others acquired by students would be fully utilised to help the community in future.

Also present were JPAM Sabah Director, Yang Setia Col. (PA) Mulliadi Al-Hamdi Ladin and UMS SISPA Deputy Commandant of the Corps, Left. Kol. Bersekutu (PA), Dr. Mohamad Nizam Nazarudin. – (fl)

WEDNESDAY, 18 NOVEMBER -  A total of 5,081 Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) students will be receiving their Diploma, Bachelor Degree, Master’s and Doctor of Philosophy Degree at the forthcoming UMS 17^th Convocation ceremony to be held from 21-23 November 2015.

Vice-Chancellor of UMS, Professor Datuk Dr. Mohd. Harun Abdullah said, the graduands would add to UMS alumni totalling 55,787.

“The number, now growing in number is a significant element to UMS that would serve as ambassadors and agents of excellence that will expand and strengthen the name of their alma mater and the city of Kota Kinabalu.

“These graduates will form the backbone of the country who will lead the future to achieve the vision of the nation,” he said.

He said this when delivering a speech at UMS Town and Gown Ceremony at the premises of the Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK).

Datuk Harun said, intellectual planning obtained whilst studying at the university should be used by graduands to generate integrity and the effectiveness of all aspects of national development, either economic, political or social.

“All the knowledge and experience should serve as the basis and guidelines for the realisation of our national vision in line with our responsibilities in supporting the university’s motto “Strive to Excel”.

“In a competition era where competition is becoming increasingly intense, we must be sensitive and responsive to the changing times in order to keep abreast with developments,” he further added.

At the event, each 65 representatives of the academic programme offered by UMS and each received keys from  Mayor, Datu Abidin Madingkir symbolising the acceptance as part of the citizens of the city of Kota Kinabalu. – (fl)

By Faezah Mohamad Dun

Photo: Johaidi Ismail

TUESDAY, 17 NOVEMBER – The former member of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Board of Directors Tan Sri Henry Chin Poy Wu was honoured at an appreciation dinner that was held at the Pacific Sutera Hotel Ballroom, last night.

In his speech, Tan Sri Henry Chin who held the post of board member for almost 15 years expressed his gratitude and appreciation for being honoured with an appreciation dinner.

“Although no longer holding office as a member of the Board of Director of UMS, for me this is not the end of my relationship with this beloved university.

“I am ready to give my all and contribute to UMS at any time through the sharing of knowledge and experience, especially in management  and governance, security and so on,” he said.

Earlier, Chairman of the Board of Directors of UMS, Tun Zaki Tun Azmi in his speech, described Tan Sri Henry’s contributions to UMS as invaluable.

“Thank you for helping us in driving UMS towards excellence over the years.  We owe you,” he quipped.

A biography book on Tan Sri Henry entitled ‘A Gentleman and an Officer’ was also launched at the dinner. – (fl)