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UMS, McDermott to Advance Talent Development and Regional Capacity Building

2025-06-20T00:32:43+08:00

McDermott and �鶹��Ƶ (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.

UMS, NRES, French Embassy And Schools Join Forces For Beach Clean-Up Drive

2025-06-18T08:23:12+08:00

�鶹��Ƶ (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.

�鶹��Ƶ Academic Ties with Uzbekistan’s Top University

2025-06-04T09:33:53+08:00

TASHKENT - �鶹��Ƶ (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.

UMS Signs Landmark MoU with Russia’s Leading Petroleum University — Elevating Malaysia’s Global Education Presence

2025-05-29T04:40:05+08:00

�鶹��Ƶ (UMS) has proudly elevated Malaysia’s academic diplomacy through the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Almetyevsk State Technological University (ASTU), one of Russia’s most advanced institutions in petroleum engineering and energy technologies.

The MoU was signed by UMS Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr. Kasim Mansor, and Professor Dyakonov Alexander Anatolyevich, Rector of ASTU, in a symbolic ceremony held at ASTU’s campus in Almetyevsk, Republic of Tatarstan.

The collaboration signals a new era of research, innovation, and technical training between Malaysia and Russia.

This historic engagement comes in direct alignment with Malaysia’s recent high-level presence in Kazan, led by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Minister of Higher Education, Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir, who both participated in the XVI Kazan International Economic Forum: Russia–Islamic World earlier this month.

Zambry’s role as an invited panelist at the Kazan Education Forum further affirms Malaysia’s growing voice in the global academic and TVET discourse.

Kasim said the UMS-ASTU MoU is a concrete follow-up to that engagement, reflecting the Minister’s foresight in positioning Malaysia as a serious player in international higher education partnerships, especially in critical fields such as energy, sustainability, and advanced petroleum technologies.

“We are deeply honored to translate the strategic intent of our national leadership into meaningful academic collaboration.

“This partnership is not just about MoUs on paper. It is about unlocking mutual potential, driving innovation, and preparing our future engineers and researchers for global impact,” he said.

Kasim said, the MoU sets a clear roadmap for joint research initiatives, technical training programs, staff and student mobility, development of TVET models for the oil and gas sector, and academic-industrial collaborations through special workshops and conferences.

“This partnership underscores Malaysia’s commitment to global excellence in education, led by the Ministry of Higher Education’s transformative agenda.

“UMS’s achievement in Russia is not only a win for the university but a proud moment for the nation, reflecting how far Malaysian institutions can go when empowered by visionary leadership,” he said.

The UMS delegation, hosted warmly in Kazan and Almetyevsk by ASTU’s International Affairs Office led by Camilla Igonina, was given a full tour of ASTU’s world-class facilities, including VR-integrated drilling simulators, hydraulic systems, core sample analysis labs, and a uniquely designed interconnected practical training campus.

The visit was guided by Associate Professor Vasilenko Yury Valeryevich, ASTU’s First Vice-Rector.

Representing UMS were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Ir. Dr. Rosalam Hj. Sarbatly; Registrar, Luqman Ridha Anwar; Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Abu Zahrim Yaser; Head of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. Mohd Kamel Wan Ibrahim; Head of Oil and Gas Engineering, Dr. Norfazliana Abdullah and Director of the Chancellory Office, Hasmi Hashim.

UMS Deepens Strategic Alliance with Türkiye’s Yildiz Technical University

2025-05-28T02:26:24+08:00

In a continued effort to elevate its global standing, �鶹��Ƶ (UMS) has expanded its international academic engagement with a high-level courtesy visit to Yildiz Technical University (YTU) — a premier institution in Türkiye with a proud legacy dating back to 1911 and currently listed among the QS World University Rankings 2025 (851–900).

According to a statement by UMS, the visit which was led by UMS Vice-Chancellor Prof. Datuk Dr. Kasim Mansor reaffirmed both universities’ shared commitment to a deeper, more targeted partnership rooted in academic excellence, research innovation, and internationalization.

Hosted by Chief Advisor to the Rector of YTU, Professor Dr. Özer Çınar, the engagement was marked by a renewed sense of purpose: to translate shared aspirations into measurable outcomes.

“YTU, long respected for its strength in engineering and applied sciences, is a natural counterpart for UMS — particularly as the Sabah-based university positions itself as a leader in tropical research, sustainable technology, and regional innovation.

“The discussions between the two institutions revolved around deepening collaborative research in new materials, green technologies, and water and wastewater treatment, reflecting mutual strengths and regional needs,” according to the statement.

The statement mentioned that both sides agreed to expand academic cooperation beyond conventional frameworks.

“The extended Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will now include lecturer exchange programmes, postgraduate student co-supervision, and mobility opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students — paving the way for more dynamic knowledge exchange and global classroom experiences.

“The collaboration also opens doors to joint grant applications and co-investment in high-impact research, allowing both institutions to harness funding from governments, industries, and multilateral bodies.

“This approach not only supports scientific advancement but also amplifies the societal value of academic research on a global scale,” the statement noted.

Beyond academic discussions, the UMS delegation participated in YTU’s International Culture Festival — a colorful, meaningful celebration of global diversity and cultural diplomacy.

The festival served as a reminder that partnerships between universities are not solely about science and scholarship, but also about building human bridges across borders and traditions.

The engagement with Yildiz Technical University underscores UMS’s broader ambition, which is to become a globally engaged tropical university that fosters not only academic excellence but also intercultural understanding, regional leadership, and globally relevant solutions.

Through strategic alliances like this, UMS continues to shape its future on the world stage — confidently, collaboratively, and purposefully.

Also representing UMS were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) and Advisor to the Oil and Gas Engineering Programme at the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Ir. Dr. Rosalam Hj. Sarbatly; UMS Registrar, Luqman Ridha Anwar; Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Abu Zahrim Yaser; Head of Mechanical Engineering Programme, Dr. Mohd Kamel Wan Ibrahim; Head of Oil and Gas Engineering Programme, Dr. Norfazliana Abdullah; and Director of the Chancellery Office, Hasmi Hashim.

UMS and Aydin Istanbul University Forge Strategic Academic Alliance to Boost Mobility and Engineering Innovation

2025-05-27T07:38:51+08:00

�鶹��Ƶ (UMS) has taken a significant step toward global academic integration through a high-level visit to Aydin Istanbul University in Turkey, forging new pathways in research, academic mobility, and engineering collaboration.

Led by UMS Vice Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Kasim Hj. Mansor, the visit resulted in the signing of a Letter of Intent (LoI), signalling the two universities’ commitment to formalising a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) later this year.

According to a statement by UMS’s Faculty of Engineering, the discussions between the two universities were focused and forward-looking, with central to the engagement was UMS’s potential participation in the Erasmus+ Programme, the European Union’s flagship initiative for education, training, and mobility.

“This would pave the way for structured student and staff exchanges, joint curriculum development, and co-supervision of research — providing UMS students and academics with valuable access to international classrooms, laboratories, and networks.

“Engineering emerged as a key pillar of the partnership, with both institutions explored opportunities for joint research and academic exchange in high-impact areas such as renewable energy systems, green materials technology, and environmental engineering.

“These are not only priority research themes at UMS but are also aligned with Malaysia’s and Türkiye’s broader sustainability goals,” according to the statement.

The statement also noted that another major outcome of the dialogue was UMS’s invitation to participate in the Delightful Istanbul Summer School, which is scheduled from 26 July to 9 August 2025.

“The programme offers credit-bearing modules taught in English, providing UMS students with cross-cultural exposure in a globally diverse academic environment.

A boutique edition of the programme — Delightful Late Summer Cyprus — will be held from 23 to 30 August in Kyrenia, offering a Mediterranean learning experience combining academic rigour with cultural immersion.

“Looking ahead, both universities are planning to co-organise the STAR Global Conference 2025 in Istanbul this October, which UMS will serve as part of the advisory and academic committee, lending thought leadership and regional expertise to the international forum,” the statement noted.

During the visits, UMS delegation was received with great hospitality by the Rector of Aydin Istanbul University, Prof. Dr. Ali Sınağ, along with senior officials from the International Directorate, Mr. Gurkam Donat; Director of International Affairs, Asst. Prof. Osman Gultekin; Coordinator of International Academic Relations, Mr. Faruk Seferi; and Ms. Ayten Nahide Korkmaz.

Accompanying the UMS Vice-Chancellor were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) and Advisor to the Oil and Gas Engineering Programme at the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Ir. Dr. Rosalam Hj. Sarbatly; UMS Registrar, Luqman Ridha Anwar; Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Abu Zahrim Yaser; Head of Mechanical Engineering Programme, Dr. Mohd Kamel Wan Ibrahim; Head of Oil and Gas Engineering Programme, Dr. Norfazliana Abdullah; and Director of the Chancellery Office, Hasmi Hashim.

UMS, Federal Territory Mufti Office Strengthen Academic, Research Collaboration

2025-02-05T08:18:53+08:00

Universiti Malaysia Saba h (UMS) and the Federal Territory Mufti Office have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in academic and research development.

The agreement encompasses a range of strategic initiatives, including joint research projects, scholarly publications and in-depth studies on religious issues, Islamic economics, Islamic law and community development.

The MoU was signed by UMS Vice Chancellor, Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor and the Federal Territory Mufti, Datuk Dr Luqman Abdullah.

On Tuesday, a symbolic launching ceremony was officiated by UMS Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Industry and Community Network), who also serves as the director of the Centre for Industry Collaboration and Engagement, Prof Dr Coswald Stephen Sipaut @ Mohd Nasri, together with the Deputy Mufti of the Federal Territory, Jamali Mohd Adnan.

According to Kasim, whose speech was read by Coswald, the MoU will allow both institutions to share expertise through specialised training programmes aimed at enhancing professional skills.

Additionally, they will collaborate on data sharing and resource exchange for academic and research purposes.

"The Federal Territory Mufti Office's expertise, particularly in religious sciences and fields such as moon sighting observations, can further cultivate students' and faculty members' interest in research and scholarly activities at UMS," he stated.

Kasim also emphasized that this partnership aligns with UMS's ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with key institutions in Malaysia, ultimately elevating the quality of education and research at the university.

386 Outstanding FSSA UMS Students Honored at Dean's Award Ceremony

2025-01-27T08:32:11+08:00

A total of 386 students from the Faculty of Science and Natural Resources (FSSA), �鶹��Ƶ (UMS), were celebrated at the Dean’s Award Ceremony for Semester 2, Session 2023/2024, which was recently held at the Banquet Hall, UMS Chancellor Hall.

The ceremony aimed to recognize the outstanding achievements of students who have demonstrated exceptional performance in their studies, including 18 students who achieved a Semester Grade Point Average (SGPA) of 4.0, proving their academic excellence at UMS.

The Dean of FSSA, Prof. Dr. Jualang Azlan Gansau, in his speech, expressed his appreciation to all parties who played a crucial role in the students' success, particularly the parents and faculty members.

He also emphasized the importance of lifelong learning to ensure that students remain relevant and are prepared to face the increasing challenges of the working world.

"This success not only reflects the students' hard work but also the dedication and support from lecturers and family members.

"I hope this excellence will continue and serve as an inspiration and motivation for other students to strive for success," he said.

During the event, two outstanding student representatives, Arman Idlan Haidis from the Biotechnology Program and Yvone Tse Iyi Wen from the Marine Science Program, shared their experiences and challenges throughout their studies.

Also present at the ceremony were the Deputy Dean of Academic and International Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Darmesah Gabda; Deputy Dean of Student Affairs and Alumni, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chee Fuei Pien; FSSA Chief Administrator, Aidah Noordin; and Director of the Dean's Award Ceremony, Ts. Dr. Abu Bakar Abd Rahman.

‘On-Site Learning’ Enhances UMS Civil Engineering Students’ Knowledge of Building Construction

2025-01-27T08:19:56+08:00

The ‘On-Site Learning’ activity was conducted by a group of 61 second-year Civil Engineering students, from the Faculty of Engineering (FKJ) at �鶹��Ƶ (UMS) took place at Sandakan, recently.

FKJ lecturer Sr. Ts. Br. Dr. Asmawan Bin Mohd Sarman, who guided the students in successfully organizing the program, stated, “This visit to the construction project of the Children’s Education Park and Training Complex for the Disabled serves academic purposes, introducing students to the ‘3D’ elements of construction: Difficult, Dirty and Dangerous. This exposure allows them to experience the real project execution environment and prepare for future career challenges,”.

The program director, Atalarick Firman Syach Bin Suhaini, highlighted the added value of this activity through interaction with professional engineers. “We received great cooperation from JKR Sandakan, and I am grateful for the knowledge gained and the questions raised by classmates. Everyone enjoyed the experience while learning something new. For me, as the program director, this is a success,” he shared.

The program was conducted as part of the KA21102 Contract and Estimation course in collaboration with JKR Bandaraya Sandakan Sabah, Babankong Sdn Bhd and Rigi Development Sdn Bhd. During the site visit, participants were accompanied by lecturer , Sr. Ts. Br. Dr. Asmawan Bin Mohd Sarman and site engineers who provided detailed explanations about the construction processes of the projects.

Additionally, the program served as a reunion of alumni. Alumni such as Ms. Nur Elfira Afifa Binti Mansor, an officer and engineer at JKR Bandaraya Sandakan Sabah, and Mr Azamawi as the engineer, symbolize the importance of early exposure in building a civil engineering career. Their achievements showcase how UMS alumni can excel and demonstrate competence in the engineering industry , inspiring students to achieve similar success.

Ms. Nur Elfira noted that this program , held for two consecutive years at JKR Bandaraya Sandakan Sabah, offers valuable exposure to construction site conditions. “My advice is for students to gain as much knowledge as possible by working on-site with suppliers or contractors to understand what needs to be known for future use,” she stated.

Mr. Azamawi, the engineer and UMS alumni, also remarked, “This program is excellent for gaining hands-on site experience, where students can ask questions to enhance their knowledge.”

Through the ‘On-Site Learning’ program, students were able to strengthen their bonds and enhance their enthusiasm for exploring new knowledge. It is hoped that this experience will help students directly understand the practical applications of their studies and better prepare them to face challenges in the real construction industry.