Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) have formalized an intellectual property sharing agreement for the Integrated Solar Dryer Tool (INSOLER), an innovation for drying agricultural and fisheries products that has benefitted communities in Sabah and Kelantan.

The agreement was signed in a ceremony officiated by UMS Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Kasim Hj Mansor, and UMK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dato’ Dr. Razli Che Razak, at UMS.

In his speech, Kasim highlighted that the INSOLER innovation was jointly developed by researchers and inventors from both universities: UMS Director of the Innovation and Commercialization Management Centre (PPIP), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jidon Janaun, and UMK Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Ts. Dr. Arham Abdullah.

“This collaborative innovation arose because UMS and UMK share the same vision and aspiration to assist rural farmers and fishers in improving their socio-economic conditions.

“INSOLER is an innovative idea combining active and passive air heating to address the limitations of conventional solar drying methods.

“This innovation has been utilized by communities in Tumpat, Kelantan, and Kota Belud, Sabah. Additionally, the INSOLER prototype at the UMS Faculty of Engineering is also being used by various communities to dry agricultural products such as corn husks and coffee residues,” he said.

He added that INSOLER has won numerous national innovation awards, including the Gold Medal and Special Award, The Star of New York (Green Technology), at the prestigious iENA Germany 2023 competition.

“I have been informed that there is already a company interested in commercializing the INSOLER innovation, and PPIP UMS is currently preparing the commercialization agreement documents.

“Therefore, I hope the synergy between UMS and UMK will continue and remain strong to ensure the sustainability of fostering innovation in public universities.

“This agreement’s success demonstrates that research or innovation can be achieved in a multidisciplinary manner through collaboration between two or more universities,” Kasim stated.

In response, Razli emphasized that the INSOLER innovation was designed to promote sustainable agriculture by enhancing the drying process of agricultural products and reducing food waste.

“Two INSOLER units have been produced—one at UMS with a capacity of 200 kilograms and another at UMK with a capacity of 2,000 kilograms, used in community projects for drying ikan bekok (preserved fish) in Tumpat, Kelantan.

“This innovation has enabled ikan bekok producers to continue operations, especially during the monsoon season, as INSOLER offers a more systematic and high-quality process with electronic control of temperature, humidity, and time.

“As a result, the production capacity of ikan bekok has increased by 300 percent, as the processing time using INSOLER only takes one hour compared to three hours with conventional methods,” he said.

Also present at the ceremony were UMS Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Ir. Dr. Rosalam; UMK Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Ts. Dr. Arham Abdullah; UMS Registrar, Luqman Ridha Anwar; UMK Senior Director of the Research and Innovation Management Centre (RMIC), Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Julie Juliewatty Mohamed; UMS PPIP Director, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jidon Janaun; UMS Research Management Centre Director, Prof. Dr. Jumat Sulaiman; and UMK Commercialization and Intellectual Property Division (ICD) Director, Dr. Mardawani Mohamad.

In a vibrant exchange of cultures and knowledge, students from Hosei University of Japan embarked on a whirlwind tour of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) on 2nd March 2024.

The visit provided an excellent opportunity for both sets of students to immerse themselves in each other’s cultures, deepen their understanding of different perspectives and forge lasting connections.

The Faculty of Science and Humanities (FSSK) Mobility Coordinator, Dr. Trixie Tangit emphasized the importance of initiatives by the mobility program in strengthening connections between UMS and Hosei University.

“Through activities such as summer school programs and fostering deep connections through visits, both institutions can aim to build a foundation for future collaborative endeavours.

“We are proud that Abu Hurairah and Karen Adelyn, our students from the International Relations Programme, FSSK took the initiative to organize a campus tour and truly, the day-long journey was marked by camaraderie, discovery and mutual appreciation,” she said.

Throughout their visit, the Hosei University students engaged in various activities, ranging from exploring UMS’s campus and facilities to participating in cultural exchange and academic discussions.

“Such exchanges not only enrich the educational experience of the students involved but also contribute to fostering mutual respect, collaboration and friendship between institutions and across borders,” she added.

The group also had a chance to visit UMS Aquarium and Museum Marine, Outdoor Development Centre (ODEC), Pinakol Stairs, UMS Clock Tower and the picturesque UMS Mosque also known as Pink Mosque, one of Kota Kinabalu’s must-visit place.

Department of Economics, Hosei University lecturer, Professor Dr. Yasuo Yakatani expressed his gratitude, emphasizing the effectiveness of the day’s organising and the warm hospitality extended by UMS students.

For more information on mobility events by the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities UMS, contact Dr. Trixie Tangit at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The University Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Alumni Centre recently organized a hi-tea for about ISO alumni from around Kota Kinabalu.

The program was aimed to celebrate the spirit of love for alma mater and to create good networking among alumni.

Among those present were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Student Affairs & Alumni) Associate Prof Dr Raman Nordin representing UMS Vice Chancellor, Prof Datuk Dr. Kasim Mansor, and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic & International) Prof Dr Shahril Yusof.

The event, which took place in a relaxed manner at the Chancellor's Hall Square near the UMS lake, succeeded in recalling the memories of some of the alumni who had gone through their studies.

Some of the alumni who were met during the ceremony thought that this kind of meeting program should be continued from time to time as a platform for them to meet and socialize with fellow alumni as well as university management and staff.

An alumnus from the Faculty of Education and Psychology, Mohd Rasmalyzan Abd Rashad said a program like this can be the best platform for alumni to share information and convey their views to the university management.

Mohd Rasmalyzan is the Chief Operating Officer of UOR Food Industries Sdn Bhd.

Another participant, Abdul Haidy Abdul Hamid from the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities in 2000, hopes that such a program can be held regularly so that the alumni can meet with fellow alumni, the management and the existing students. Abdul Haidy currently is administration head at UMS.

This opinion is also supported by Amir Shah Noor Ahmad, alumnus of the Faculty of Finance & International in 2006 who is working as a Diplomatic Administration Officer at MKN Sabah.

The alumni who attended the event were warmly welcomed by the director of the UMS Alumni Centre, Dr Arif Kamisan Pusiran and the staff of the Alumni Centre as hosts at the ceremony.

They were treated to a delicious evening meal and entertained by music from a busker who is also a UMS alumnus.

The Young Engineers Section of the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEMYES) Miri branch had recently collaborated with Curtin University Malaysia's Faculty of Engineering and Science to host a Civitour' programme at the university.

The programme, which is an initiative by IEM-YES to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted aspects of engineering, was attended by 48 civil engineering students from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and their advisor, Sr Ts Dr Asmawan Mohd Sarman.

Also joining the programme were IEM-YES Miri branch chairman Francis Liaw Zhen Zhen; IEM Miri branch chairperson Ir Chong Boon Hui; Curtin academic Associate Professor Ir Wong Kwong Soon; Associate Prof Bridgid Chin Lai Fui, Ir Meheron Selowara Joo and Jameson Malang.

The Civitour programme involved workshop and guided tour to Curtin Malaysia's new Engineering Research Laboratories and Curtin Aquaculture Research Laboratories, offering the students a glimpse of the cuttingedge research being conducted at Curtin and their practical applications in engineering.

Liaw said the event allowed the participants to gain valuable insights into the ethical considerations essential to engineering practice, comprehend the regulatory frameworks governing engineering projects, and appreciate the pivotal role played by the IEM in the effective management of infrastructure.

"IEM-YES Miri is enthusiastic about facilitating enriching experiences for engineering students, fostering a deeper appreciation for the ethical dimensions of engineering and the broader societal implications of their futur e roles in the field," he remarked.