鶹Ƶ

In a significant stride towards sustainable agriculture and academic excellence, the EcoFarm Management Center (EcoFarm) at 鶹Ƶ (UMS) recently celebrated the inauguration of the Highland Agriculture Research and Learning Center (PETIK).

This momentous occasion marked the culmination of a fruitful collaboration between UMS and Kundasang Aquafarm (KAF) in advancing research and learning initiatives in highland agriculture, particularly in the picturesque locale of Kg. Mesilau, Kundasang.

The ceremony, graced by the Vice-Chancellor of UMS, Professor Datuk Dr. Kasim Hj. Mansor, underscored PETIK’s pivotal role as a hub for pioneering research and educational activities in highland agriculture and agro-tourism.

Prof. Kasim emphasized PETIK’s significance as a platform for sustainable agricultural management practices, a testament to the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) inked between UMS and Kundasang Aquafarm.

Initiated in 2021, the collaborative efforts between UMS and KAF materialized with the completion of PETIK’s first phase development by 2023/2024.

This phase saw the establishment of 10 fully equipped greenhouses, complete with hydroponic facilities for the cultivation of leafy vegetables and fruits. Prof. Kasim hailed the completion of this phase, highlighting the commencement of planting and initial sales activities as a promising step towards realizing PETIK’s objectives.

The PETIK project extends beyond academic boundaries, serving as a platform for industry engagement and community empowerment.

Prof. Kasim reiterated PETIK’s commitment to nurturing future agricultural leaders by providing hands-on training opportunities for students from various universities. This holistic approach, he emphasized, aligns with the university’s ethos of fostering meaningful collaborations between academia, industry, and society.

During the ceremony, accolades were extended to Azizul Julirin, the Managing Director of KAF, who received the inauguration certificate. The event also witnessed the symbolic planting of coffee trees alongside the harvesting of leafy vegetables from the hydroponic system, emblematic of PETIK’s multifaceted approach towards sustainable agriculture.

Dr. Januarius Gobilik, Director of EcoFarm, highlighted PETIK’s broader objectives, including soil stabilization initiatives and the cultivation of high-value crops like Arabica Catimor coffee. He stressed the project’s dual focus on research and agro-tourism, emphasizing the active involvement of local communities in ensuring its success.

Beyond PETIK, EcoFarm continues to spearhead sustainable initiatives, including the development of the AFEEDRI Life Sciences Laboratory in Apin-Apin, Keningau, aimed at fostering entrepreneurial activities and supporting student research endeavors.

The inauguration ceremony, attended by key dignitaries including representatives from the Sabah Development Institute and various academic departments within UMS, underscored the collective commitment towards advancing sustainable agriculture and academic excellence in the region.

As PETIK sets its sights on a promising future, it stands as a beacon of innovation and collaboration, poised to make significant contributions to the agricultural landscape of Sabah and beyond.

The Faculty of Engineering (FKJ), 鶹Ƶ (UMS), recently organized a Retreat and Workshop on Key Result Areas (KRA) for 2024 at Beringgis Beach Resort, Papar.

According to FKJ Dean, Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Ismail Saad, the program aimed to design, plan, and establish strategies to align with UMS’s Strategic Plan for 2024.

“This program also provides an opportunity to review and reassess the achievements of each KRA set by the Faculty of Engineering for 2023,” he stated.

In his speech, Dr. Ismail emphasized the importance of the faculty’s slogan, “Bersatu Kita Teguh” (Unity is Strength), as a shared value to instill teamwork and strong collaboration among all staff. This effort is crucial to achieving the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) outlined in UMS’s Strategic Plan for 2023-2027.

To further strengthen the faculty's ethos, he introduced the core values under the acronym TEGUH:Teamwork,Excellence,Good Governance,Universe, andHarmony.

These values are to be integrated into every initiative undertaken by the faculty.

Dr. Ismail also expressed his gratitude to all members for their contributions, both direct and indirect, in ensuring the success of the retreat and workshop.

“It is hoped that all plans and entrusted responsibilities will be executed with excellence to achieve the faculty’s goals,” he added.

鶹Ƶ (UMS) throughBursar Department has taken the initiative to share knowledge on withholding tax implementation with representatives from other universities and agencies.

Officiated by UMS Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Kasim Mansor, the two-day seminar was attended by 84 participants from public and private higher education institutions and public agencies.

Prof. Kasim emphasized that as a public university already implementing withholding tax, the seminar serves as an effective platform for fostering mutual understanding.

"In line with the National Higher Education Strategic Plan to enhance professionalism in financial sustainability and taxation within public universities, UMS began implementing withholding tax in 2017 as a response to this call.

"This seminar is expected to provide insights into the management and financial impact of withholding tax for agencies, with input from the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) and representatives from public and private universities, as well as other public agencies," he said.

His speech was delivered by UMS Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Ir. Dr. Rosalam Sarbatly.

Meanwhile, UMS Bursar, Badrul Hisham Ismail, highlighted that the seminar allows participants to apply the knowledge gained for the advancement of their careers and organizations at a national level.

"This initiative also fosters and strengthens relationships with other agencies aligned with our roles and objectives.

"With a comprehensive agenda, we hope this seminar will significantly contribute to enhancing withholding tax implementation across the various institutions represented," he added.

Also present at the seminar were UNIMAS Bursar, Dr. Haji Mazlan Kiflie; UMS Director of the Centre for Investment, Endowment, and Waqf (CIEW), Dr. Borhan Sareya Abdullah; and Seminar Committee Chairperson, Mohamad Edrus Othman.

鶹Ƶ (UMS) has formed a partnership with Alpro Pharmacy Sdn. Bhd. to improve employment opportunities for graduates of the UMS Bachelor of Nutrition program.

This collaboration was formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed recently.

The partnership will expand through various teaching and learning activities, including industrial training and community service opportunities for students from the Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition (FSMP) at UMS.

Dr. Norliyana Aris, the Head of the Nutrition Program at UMS, explained that 40% of Nutrition students choose Alpro Pharmacy for their industrial training.

“This is because Alpro offers a comprehensive training platform and module to ensure that nutritionist trainees are well-prepared for the workforce,” she said.

Furthermore, Alpro actively promotes community involvement through various nutrition and health education programs aimed at all age groups, in line with the work scope of a nutritionist.

With over 260 Alpro Touch Points, community pharmacies, physiotherapy centers, and health clinics, this MoU is expected to create more job opportunities for graduates of UMS’s Bachelor of Nutrition with Honors program.

UMS and Alpro have already conducted several joint activities since 2022, such as industry training sharing, career clinics, FSMP 2023 Career Fair, and signing a letter of intent.

The document exchange ceremony for the MoA was officiated by UMS Vice Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr. Kasim Mansor, and Alpro Pharmacy Sdn. Bhd. Human Resources Manager, Chong Pay Yi.

鶹Ƶ (UMS), through its Corporate Communication Centre (PKK), reached out to the rural community in Kampung Sayap, Kota Belud, by distributing 60 food aid baskets to single mothers, bedridden elderly, and people with disabilities.

Dr. Jakaria Dasan, Director of PKK UMS, explained that the visit aimed not only to provide assistance but also to promote education-based tourism and engage in activities with the local community. He emphasized that under the leadership of UMS Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr. Kasim Mansor, the university encourages its staff to actively engage with communities and share knowledge that is relevant and beneficial to them.

“The outreach efforts in rural areas like Kampung Sayap are designed to enhance the understanding of the Komuniti Madani concept among UMS staff,” he said. “In Kampung Sayap, the community displays the core values of Komuniti Madani, with strong associations working together to advance the development of their village.”

Among the activities conducted by PKK UMS staff alongside the community were making roofs using coconut leaves for the Pondok Malius at Puncak Gloria, pounding and sieving rice, and creating beadwork crafts.

Dr. Jakaria further mentioned that PKK UMS plays a crucial role in organizing official university events and managing public relations and publicity through media partnerships. “Visiting Kampung Sayap and interacting with its residents has been a valuable and impactful experience for PKK staff,” he said. “Programs like this allow our staff to enhance their communication skills with communities outside the university.”

Aming Gamburus, Chairman of the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) of Kampung Sayap, expressed gratitude for UMS’s continued commitment to community service programs in their village. “We are fortunate that UMS consistently chooses Kampung Sayap for their outreach programs,” he said. “This connection ensures that those of us living in rural areas do not feel left out of the progress. The ongoing presence of UMS motivates the children in our village to aim high in their education and pursue university degrees, especially at UMS.”

During the visit, PKK UMS also conducted a session titled ‘What is a Scam?’ to raise awareness among the Kampung Sayap community about the dangers of scams, which often target the elderly and rural populations.