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Pengurusan Ancaman Zoonotik di Sabah: Mengapa Pendekatan ��One Health�� Semakin Penting

2025-06-06T07:20:16+08:00

Artikel oleh:?

Prof. Dr. Vijay Kumar & Prof. Madya Dr. Zarina Amin

Institut Penyelidikan Bioteknologi

�鶹��Ƶ

zamin@ums.edu.my

Borneo merupakan kawasan luas yang kaya dengan biodiversiti yang menakjubkan : hutan hujan yang subur, sungai sungai dan pelbagai hidupan liar yang telah sekian lama wujud bersama komuniti manusia. Namun, selaras dengan pembangunan pesat di Sabah, interaksi di antara manusia, ternakan dan hidupan liar semakin meningkat. Sekali gus ini meningkatkan risiko penyakit zoonotik, iaitu penyakit yang berpunca daripada patogen yang berpindah dari haiwan ke manusia.

Kejadian pandemik COVID-19 sekitar 2020 - 2022 telah meningkatkan aktiviti pemantauan biologi (biosurveillance) secara global pada skala yang lebih besar. Walaubagaimanapun, amalan langkah berjaga-jaga sebagai pengajaran daripada krisis tersebut telah mula dilupakan oleh ramai pihak. Di wilayah seperti Sabah, di mana interaksi manusia dan hidupan liar berlaku dengan sangat kerap, pemantauan biologi perlu dikekalkan sebagai keutamaan oleh jabatan-jabatan Kerajaan yang terlibat. Ini adalah kerana penularan penyakit berjangkit bukan sahaja mampu mengganggu kesihatan awam, tetapi seperti yang terlihat dari pandemik COVID-19, ia juga boleh memberikan impak negatif dan menjejaskan sektor pelancongan, pertanian serta usaha pemuliharaan biodiversiti.

Ancaman Penyakit Zoonotik yang Semakin Meningkat di Borneo

Di antara penyakit zoonotik yang paling banyak didokumentasikan di Borneo merupakan penyakit malaria Plasmodium knowlesi dari perumah asal monyet macaque yang disebar melalui nyamuk. Dengan peningkatan aktiviti komuniti luar bandar Sabah yang semakin banyak berkembang ke kawasan hutan dan sekitarnya, risiko pendedahan kepada monyet macaque sekali gus kepada penyakit ini turut meningkat. Lebih membimbangkan, sejak kebelakangan ini penyakit malaria zoonotik ini merekodkan jumlah kes tertinggi di negeri Sabah.

Selain malaria yang dibawa oleh monyet, burung kelawar di Sabah turut dikenal pasti sebagai pembawa pelbagai jenis koronavirus baru mirip SARS dan COVID-19. Penemuan ini menonjolkan risiko yang mungkin dihadapi pelancong dan penduduk tempatan yang mengunjungi gua -gua yang dihuni oleh burung kelawar.

Industri ternakan ayam di Sabah juga pernah berhadapan dengan wabak influenza burung patogenik tinggi (H5N1) pada tahun 2018. Virus ini merebak dengan cepat sehingga ribuan ayam terpaksa dihapuskan. Walaupun tiada kes jangkitan manusia dilaporkan, kehadiran antibodi terhadap virus tersebut di dalam kalangan individu tertentu mencadangkan kemungkinan wujudnya penularan zoonotik terdahulu.

Di Sarawak pula, penyakit anjing gila (rabies) setakat ini masih kekal sebagai penyumbang kepada hampir semua kes berkaitan di Malaysia. Memandangkan Sabah berkongsi sempadan dengan Sarawak, maka segala usaha vaksinasi serta aktiviti pemantauan penyakit berjangkit yang berterusan amat penting untuk mencegah penularan ��rabies�� di negeri ini.

Cabaran Baharu Kesihatan Haiwan

Penyakit yang menjejaskan ternakan dan hidupan liar turut menjadi perhatian. Penyakit ��Newcastle Disease �� dan Bronkitis Berjangkit telah menjejaskan industri ayam pedaging di Sabah, menjadikan vaksin sedia ada kurang berkesan. Walaupun ayam yang dijangkiti tidak secara langsung mengancam manusia, kemerosotan ternakan memberi kesan kepada keselamatan makanan dan pendapatan penternak.

Hidupan laut juga tidak terkecuali. Di Pulau Mabul dan perairan sekitarnya, semakin banyak penyu laut dilaporkan menghidap fibropapillomatosis �� sejenis penyakit yang disebabkan oleh virus herpes, yang menyebabkan ketumbuhan melemahkan dan memerlukan campur tangan manusia untuk kelangsungan hidup. Survelan kesihatan juga penting di kawasan perairan Sabah yang masih belum tercemar bagi melindungi spesies terancam ini.

Selain itu, Demam Babi Afrika (ASF) telah memusnahkan populasi babi liar dan ternakan di Sabah. Walaupun ASF tidak menjangkiti manusia, penyebarannya yang pantas dalam kalangan Sus barbatus (babi berjanggut) memberi impak besar dari segi ekologi dan ekonomi. Kehilangan haiwan ini boleh mengganggu ekosistem serta menjejaskan amalan memburu tradisional masyarakat peribumi.

Jangkitan Kuman dari Tanah Air dan Pembawa Tikus

Penyakit seperti melioidosis yang dibawa oleh bakteria patogenik Burkholderia pseudomallei, yang merebak di Sabah berupaya menjangkiti manusia serta hidupan liar termasuk orang utan dan monyet macaque. Ancaman lain yang berterusan ialah leptospirosis: sejenis jangkitan

bakteria yang merebak melalui air tercemar dan sering dibawa oleh tikus. Bakteria Bartonella yang berkaitan dengan tikus juga didapati sangat meluas di kawasan bandar di Borneo. Ancaman tersembunyi ini menekankan keperluan pemantauan alam sekitar secara berterusan.

Tingkah Laku Manusia dan Penularan Penyakit

Antara cabaran terbesar dalam pencegahan penularan wabak penyakit merupakan aktiviti manusia sendiri. Kegiatan pemburuan haiwan secara haram dan perdagangan hidupan liar masih berleluasa walaupun terdapat beberapa usaha penguatkuasaan yang dijalankan selain dari usaha-usaha pemuliharaan haiwan dari badan badan terlibat. Hidupan liar seperti tenggiling masih diperdagangkan secara senyap di pasar-pasar tempatan. Walaupun belum ada virus zoonotik yang dikenal pasti di dalam tenggiling di Sabah setakat ini, risiko penularan jangkitan penyakit tetap tinggi. Penguatkuasaan yang lebih tegas amat diperlukan untuk membendung aktiviti ini.

Melihat ke hadapan, projek-projek pembangunan luar bandar berskala besar sebagai contoh pembinaan ibu negara baharu Indonesia, Nusantara di Kalimantan Timur, dijangka mampu menggugat habitat hidupan liar secara besar-besaran. Di simpang itu peningkatan pembalakan, peluasan pertanian dan pembinaan empangan hidro dijangka mampu memburukkan konflik manusia-hidupan liar serta meningkatkan risiko penularan penyakit.

Langkah Ke Hadapan: Memperkukuh Biosurvelan One Health

Aktiviti pemantauan ��biosurveillance�� di Sabah pada waktu ini melibatkan pelbagai agensi kerajaan, institusi akademik serta organisasi pemuliharaan; walaubagaimanapun kekangan2 seperti dana yang terhad, peralatan usang dan kurang penyelarasan mampu menjejaskan kelancaran aktiviti pemantauan ini. Pendekatan One Health �� yang menggabungkan kesihatan manusia, haiwan dan alam sekitar �� perlu diperkukuh untuk mengatasi cabaran ini.

Sehubungan dengan itu, lima strategi utama telah dicadangkan:

Pemantauan Genomik dan Analitikal Kecerdasan Buatan (Artificial Intelligence):?Menggunakan penjujukan generasi baharu, pemantauan DNA persekitaran (eDNA) dan kecerdasan buatan untuk mengesan patogen baru.

Libat Urus dan Pendidikan Komuniti:?Memberi pendidikan kepada komuniti luar bandar dan masyarakat peribumi mengenai risiko zoonotik dan strategi pencegahan.

Penguatkuasaan Lebih? Tegas? terhadap? Pemburuan? Haram:?Mengukuhkan kerjasama antara agensi kerajaan dan NGO untuk membanteras perdagangan hidupan liar.
Dasar Guna Tanah Lestari:?Menggalakkan pembangunan berasaskan pemuliharaan bagi mengurangkan konflik manusia-hidupan liar.

Penyepaduan Dasar dan Peningkatan Pembiayaan:?Memastikan sumber tambahan untuk biosurvelan dan mengintegrasikan pendekatan One Health dalam dasar kebangsaan.

Penutup

Biodiversiti Sabah merupakan khazanah dunia, namun pada masa yang sama menjadi titik panas kepada kemunculan penyakit berjangkit baharu. Ketika aktiviti manusia terus mengubah landskap dan ekosistem, usaha biosurvelan proaktif dan pengukuhan pendekatan ��One Health�� amat diperlukan.

Kami menyeru penubuhan satu pasukan petugas antara disiplin yang merangkumi pakar kesihatan awam, pemuliharaan, virologi, teknologi AI dan pembuat dasar. Dengan menggabungkan kepakaran dan memanfaatkan teknologi terkini, Sabah boleh melindungi rakyatnya dan khazanah biodiversitinya untuk generasi akan datang.

Tough Decisions That Upset People �C The HR Challenges

2025-04-28T01:42:40+08:00

By Associate Professor Dr. Jakaria Dasan,?Faculty of Business, Economics and Accountancy,?�鶹��Ƶ

In every organization, tough decisions must be made at some point. These decisions are usually bold, strategic, and meant for the long term. However, if they seem sudden or confusing, they become unpopular. As the saying goes, ��a weapon can turn on its owner.��

Both corporations and governments experience this. It's known as a daring approach in the corporate world. However, it can result in losses if the market is misinterpreted. In politics, it can be risky; a kamikaze��s move in which one wrong move can lead to downfall.

In Human Resources (HR), such incidents have the power to alter team spirit, trust, and morale in human resources. These unpopular decisions are often known as restructuring. It brings changes that may cause worry or doubt among employees and the public. However, the choice should be given a fair shot if the modifications attract talented and charismatic individuals.

Understanding Unpopular Decisions in HR. This article looks at how tough decisions affect people in an organization, especially from an HR view. It explores how HR leaders can manage negative reactions and safeguard the culture of the organisation.

Restructuring: Strategy vs. Perception. Restructuring is frequently required for major decisions, such as employing new personnel, reorganising teams, or replacing leaders. To remain competitive, HR might view this as the best course of action. However, workers may believe: "Wrong person, wrong time." Staff feel shocked and trust may drop. If communication is poor, rumors spread. What HR sees as smart may feel like punishment to staff. What matters is how changes are made and how they are felt.

Leadership Lessons: Silent Impact. Consider this scenario: a beloved manager is replaced by a talented but unheard-of leader. It makes strategic sense because the company is looking for new talent. However, there is a significant emotional impact on the team. Faith in the former leader is replaced with mistrust and scepticism. The actual issue? Ineffective communication, or the worst a poor communication. The team was not prepared by management. Thus, the abrupt adjustment was painful and perplexing. The team might stay unstable for a while even if the transition is successful.

The True Price of Unpopular Choices. From an HR perspective, the harm manifests itself in more ways than just numbers. Firstly, low employee engagement: Confusion, mistrust, and even hatred result from a lack of explanation. Secondly, leadership credibility declines: Leaders appear self-centred in the absence of candid discussions. Thirdly, workplace culture suffers: Team ties are weakened by restructuring in the absence of common values. These issues might not be included in reports, but they will be discussed in meetings, office gossip, and watercooler conversation.

HR's Role in the Crisis. One aspect of HR's work is making unpopular decisions. However, the impact can be lessened by taking wise actions: 1. Don't be a surprise by telling the story early. Talk about the "why" before the "what." 2. Involve unofficial leaders: There are influencers on every team. Get their help as soon as possible. 3. Be ready for emotional responses: Denial, rage, or rejection can accompany even positive changes. Plan how to help staff cope.

When Care and Courage Collide. In human resources, we have to balance strategy with people's emotions. Not all decisions that are unpopular are bad. However, they can cause scars if done incorrectly. When made by the wrong person, in the wrong way, or at the wrong moment, even the best choice can backfire.
HR is responsible for managing emotions in addition to systems. When bold moves are needed, HR must translate logic into human stories. Because people remember how something happened, not just what happened.

About the Author:

Dr. Jakaria Dasan is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Business, Economics, and Accountancy, �鶹��Ƶ (UMS). He specializes in Human Resource Management and has experience in both industry and university HR roles.

Adakah Tarif AS Terhadap Malaysia, Satu Ancaman atau Satu Panggilan Sedar?

2025-04-16T03:16:44+08:00

Artikel Oleh: Prof. Madya Dr. Caroline Geetha A/P B. Arokiadasan,?

Felo Penyelidik, Pusat Pembangunan dan Perancangan Ekonomi,

Fakulti Perniagaan, Ekonomi dan Perakaunan,?�鶹��Ƶ

Apabila Amerika Syarikat mengumumkan tarif baharu yang menyeluruh ke atas semua import, termasuk cukai sebanyak 24% ke atas barangan dari Malaysia, reaksi serta-merta di sini adalah kebimbangan. Lagipun, AS merupakan rakan dagang ketiga terbesar Malaysia.

Tetapi di sebalik ketakutan ini, terdapat persoalan yang lebih mendalam: adakah ini sekadar ancaman terhadap ekonomi kita atau satu panggilan sedar yang sudah lama tertangguh? AS membenarkan tarif baharu ini sebagai tindak balas terhadap amalan perdagangan yang tidak adil, dan Malaysia berada dalam radar atas pelbagai sebab.

Pertama sekali, Malaysia telah menjadi hab popular untuk penghantaran semula barangan dari China bagi mengelak tarif AS yang sedia ada. Beberapa syarikat China didapati menghantar produk mereka melalui Malaysia untuk mengelak duti. Walaupun tidak menyalahi undang-undang tempatan, amalan ini telah menimbulkan keraguan di Washington.

Selain itu, industri semikonduktor dan elektronik Malaysia yang sedang berkembang pesat menjadikan AS sebagai pelanggan terbesar dalam sektor ini. Pegawai AS bimbang bahawa eksport kita ke China dan peranan kita dalam rantaian bekalan global mungkin secara tidak langsung menyokong pesaing perdagangan mereka.

Tambahan pula, pasaran eksport Malaysia yang semakin berkembang dalam barangan elektrik dan elektronik memberikan persaingan ketara kepada pengeluar AS. Ini mencerminkan pengaruh Malaysia yang semakin meningkat dalam sektor-sektor yang secara tradisinya dikuasai oleh syarikat-syarikat Amerika.

Akhir sekali, isu berterusan berkaitan alam sekitar dan amalan buruh dalam industri minyak sawit. AS telah mengenakan sekatan dan tarif lebih tinggi ke atas eksport minyak sawit Malaysia kerana dakwaan pelanggaran hak asasi manusia dan kemusnahan alam sekitar.

Secara atas kertas, angka-angka kelihatan mengancam. Eksport Malaysia ke Amerika Syarikat, terutamanya dalam sektor bernilai tinggi seperti semikonduktor dan elektronik, kebanyakannya dipacu oleh pelaburan langsung asing (FDI) dan syarikat multinasional (MNC) yang beroperasi di negara ini, dan bukannya oleh syarikat milik penuh rakyat Malaysia.

Banyak produk teknologi tinggi ini dihasilkan oleh MNC dari AS, Jepun, Jerman dan Eropah yang telah menubuhkan pangkalan pembuatan di Malaysia. Syarikat seperti Intel, AMD, Texas Instruments dan Broadcom telah lama beroperasi di kawasan seperti Pulau Pinang dan Kulim, menjadikan Malaysia sebagai hab strategik untuk pengeluaran dan pemasangan bagi membekalkan rantaian nilai global mereka, termasuk pasaran AS.

Selain itu, usaha sama antara syarikat Malaysia dan rakan luar negara, khususnya dalam sektor elektronik, minyak sawit, getah, dan automotif, membolehkan syarikat tempatan naik dalam rantaian nilai dengan memanfaatkan teknologi dan akses pasaran asing.

Manakala syarikat milik penuh tempatan lebih dominan dalam komoditi seperti minyak sawit, sarung tangan getah, perabot dan produk makanan �C dengan syarikat seperti Top Glove, Hartalega, Sime Darby, dan pengeksport perabot dari Johor memainkan peranan utama. Syarikat-syarikat ini lebih terdedah kepada kejutan tarif kerana mereka kurang fleksibiliti geografi seperti MNC.

MNC tertarik ke Malaysia kerana kos pengeluaran yang rendah, tenaga kerja mahir, infrastruktur rantaian bekalan yang matang (terutamanya di Pulau Pinang dan Selangor), kestabilan politik dan insentif dari Lembaga Pembangunan Pelaburan Malaysia (MIDA).

Walau bagaimanapun, pelaksanaan tarif AS mungkin menyebabkan sesetengah syarikat ini menilai semula operasi mereka di Malaysia, mungkin memindahkan pengeluaran ke negara Asia Tenggara lain atau kembali ke AS. Sementara itu, pengeksport tempatan akan terus terkesan kerana pilihan untuk berpindah adalah terhad �C akhirnya menjejaskan peluang pekerjaan dan sumbangan KDNK Malaysia.

Ini mendedahkan isu lama bahawa Malaysia terlalu bergantung kepada FDI untuk merangsang eksport, pekerjaan, dan pertumbuhan. Walaupun FDI mencipta pekerjaan dan meningkatkan produktiviti, manfaatnya sering tidak kekal. Penyelidikan menunjukkan bahawa teknologi dan inovasi jarang tersebar ke seluruh ekonomi.

Walaupun FDI menyumbang kepada pertumbuhan produktiviti buruh, kesannya terhadap Produktiviti Faktor Menyeluruh (TFP) �C ukuran yang lebih baik untuk kecekapan dan penyebaran teknologi �C adalah terhad, terutamanya dalam sektor teknologi rendah dan sederhana. Kesan limpahan bernilai tinggi kebanyakannya tertumpu kepada kelompok tertentu seperti sektor E&E di Pulau Pinang.

Pemindahan teknologi dan kepakaran pengurusan juga cetek, kerana kebanyakan MNC menyimpan fungsi R&D dan inovasi di negara asal mereka, menjadikan Malaysia sebagai lokasi pemasangan berteknologi sederhana.

Keadaan ini diburukkan oleh amalan harga pindahan yang menghakis asas cukai Malaysia. Keuntungan sering dihantar pulang. R&D kekal di luar negara. Malaysia melakukan kerja��tetapi orang lain mendapat manfaat. Ini mewujudkan defisit dalam akaun semasa imbangan pembayaran, akhirnya mengurangkan rizab asing dan melemahkan Ringgit.

Dari sudut hak asasi manusia dan alam sekitar, MNC sering memindahkan industri pencemar ke negara membangun seperti Malaysia, memanfaatkan peraturan buruh dan alam sekitar yang lebih lemah, hanya untuk kemudian mengenakan halangan ESG ke atas eksport Malaysia, mewujudkan padang permainan global yang tidak seimbang.

Dalam konteks ini, daripada takutkan tarif AS, Malaysia sepatutnya melihatnya sebagai peluang strategik untuk menilai semula kebergantungan terhadap FDI. Memang mudah untuk melihat tarif ini sebagai hukuman semata-mata. Tetapi terdapat permainan ekonomi yang lebih besar sedang berlangsung.

Alat ekonomi digunakan untuk membentuk pakatan, mengawal teknologi, dan melindungi industri strategik. Jika Malaysia terlalu bergantung kepada satu atau dua pasaran besar, kita menjadi sasaran mudah dalam permainan ini.

Oleh itu, kita mesti mempelbagaikan hubungan perdagangan, memperdalamkan hubungan dalam ASEAN, mengukuhkan perjanjian seperti RCEP dan meneroka pasaran baharu di Afrika, Timur Tengah dan Amerika Latin.

Daripada terus mengejar FDI tanpa syarat, Malaysia boleh menggunakan detik ini untuk mengukuhkan kekuatan dari dalam. Kerajaan boleh memberi tumpuan kepada memperkasakan perusahaan kecil dan sederhana (PKS), terutamanya dalam sektor teknologi dan lestari.

Daripada hanya memasang komponen untuk pihak lain, kita boleh mula membina jenama kita sendiri. Kita juga harus melabur dalam keselamatan makanan dan tenaga, mengurangkan kebergantungan kepada import barangan asas seperti beras, daging, bawang, dan bahan api. Membangunkan teknologi pertanian dan memperluas tenaga boleh diperbaharui bukan sahaja mengurangkan kelemahan tetapi juga mencipta sektor pertumbuhan baharu.

Mereformasi sistem pendidikan juga satu langkah penting. Sistem yang menggalakkan kreativiti, keusahawanan dan penyelidikan �C bukan hanya pembelajaran hafalan �C boleh melahirkan generasi yang bersedia untuk pekerjaan bernilai tinggi dalam teknologi hijau, bioteknologi, dan kecerdasan buatan. Sudah tiba masanya kita beralih daripada sekadar menghasilkan pekerja kepada melahirkan pencipta.

Pada masa yang sama, kita mesti memenuhi jangkaan antarabangsa. Ini bermakna memperbaiki amalan buruh di ladang kita, menguatkuasakan perlindungan alam sekitar, dan menyelaraskan industri kita dengan piawaian ESG (Persekitaran, Sosial dan Tadbir Urus). Ini bukan sekadar untuk memuaskan pihak luar �C ini mengenai membina ekonomi yang adil, lestari dan dihormati di peringkat global.

Malaysia berada di persimpangan. Kita boleh menolak perubahan, atau kita boleh mengambil peluang ini untuk membina sesuatu yang lebih baik. Ekonomi yang lebih berdaya tahan, inklusif dan lestari �C yang lebih menekankan maruah negara berbanding memenuhi kehendak kuasa besar. Daripada takut kepada tarif, kita boleh melihatnya sebagai isyarat. Isyarat bahawa sudah tiba masanya untuk kita melabur dalam diri sendiri.

Reassessing the Sultanate of Sulu��s Renewed Claim to Sabah: A Preliminary Rebuttal

2025-04-08T08:36:47+08:00

By:?Marja Azlima Omar,?Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, �鶹��Ƶ

In April 2025, the Sultanate of Sulu announced its intention to invoke a series of historic treaties, including a 15th-century tributary pact with China and the 1915 Carpenter-Kiram Agreement, as the basis for a $25 billion territorial and damages claim against Malaysia concerning Sabah.

This latest claim undeniably introduces a complex interplay of modern international law, cultural diplomacy and historical legacy.

Thus, this short write-up evaluates the legitimacy of these claims through the perspective of international law, focusing on treaty interpretation, the principle of effective control, and contemporary standards of sovereignty.

Since the Sultanate aims to revive its historical status and sovereignty claims by invoking ancient treaties and fostering alliances among Mindanao Sultanates, such a claim warrants examination of their legitimacy in light of international legal standards and historical accuracy.

By examining the intersection of historical agreements and modern legal frameworks, the brief analysis highlights the symbolic nature of the Sultanate��s position and the disconnect between ancestral narratives and current mechanisms for resolving territorial disputes.

First and foremost, it is essential to note that central to the Sultanate��s argument is the 1405 agreement with the Ming Dynasty. In the said argument, the Sulu Sultanate is presented as evidence of its status as an ��independent tributary state.��

While tributary relations were a diplomatic norm in Imperial China, their existence then lacked the sovereign equivalency implied by modern treaty systems.

Instead, those relationships were hierarchical and ritualistic, intended to maintain harmony and commerce rather than establish enforceable rights or territorial claims. Although Chinese President Xi Jinping acknowledged this relationship during the 600th anniversary of the death of the East King of Sulu in 2017, such recognition is merely symbolic in the absence of legal recognition.

It does not equate to legal endorsement of territorial rights under contemporary international law frameworks.

?In other words, the 1405 China-Sulu relationship remains largely as diplomatic symbolism rather than a pursuit of legal sovereignty.

It is also pertinent to note that the Carpenter-Kiram Agreement marked a pivotal shift in the Sultanate��s role, transitioning from a temporal authority to a religious and cultural institution under American colonial protection.

This means that the 1915 Carpenter-Kiram Treaty was nothing more than a colonial transitional arrangement.

While the Sultan retained ceremonial influence, the sovereignty and administrative power were, however, transferred to the United States.

The agreement does not recognise any enforceable territorial claim over Sabah. Notably, the treaty did not include Sabah, which by then was already under the administrative control of the British North Borneo Company.

?The treaty serves as a historical document of imperial consolidation rather than a legal basis for contemporary territorial claims.

The basis of the Sultanate��s renewed claim also emphasises the interconnectedness between sovereignty, effective control and self-determination.

A seminal principle in international law is effective control, and in this regard, Malaysia has administered Sabah continuously since its formation in 1963.

This de facto governance is reinforced by the people of Sabah��s participation in the Malaysian federation through a referendum.

The involvement in question solidifies its sovereignty over the territory.

Since its inception, the United Nations Charter and subsequent resolutions of the General Assembly have consistently and continuously supported the right to self-determination.

The people of Sabah had clearly exercised this right, and their decision to join Malaysia carries substantial legal weight in comparison to historical claims by external entities. The latter claim falls short of modern international law��s jurisdiction or authority.

?Lastly, one must also set the record straight by insisting that the recent unity covenant of the Mindanao Sultanates was, in fact, a cultural revival, not a legal instrument with binding implications.

The Covenant signed by the Sultanates of Sulu, Maguindanao, and the Rajanate of Buayan reflects a pertinent cultural and historical solidarity among Mindanao��s traditional leaders.

While it may carry sociopolitical significance within particular communities, such agreements are not legally binding in international law unless recognised by sovereign states or treaty-based institutions such as the United Nations.

The revival of these royal networks, while notable for heritage preservation, cannot substitute for state-based diplomacy or legal standing at the United Nations or the International Court of Justice.

In sum, the renewed Sultanate of Sulu��s assertion of territorial rights over Sabah was based on pre-colonial and early 20th-century treaties.

Nonetheless, the treaties lack sufficient grounding in modern international law.

The treaties cited either carry symbolic or obsolete colonial implications that do not translate into current legal authority.

In contrast, Malaysia��s longstanding administration of Sabah and the region��s exercise of self-determination represent stronger legal foundations under international norms. Any credible effort to revisit or resolve the Sabah question must engage with contemporary legal mechanisms and geopolitical frameworks rather than relying on antiquated claims rooted in lost sovereignty.

This article presents an academic argument by Marja Azlima Omar a senior lecturer affiliated with the International Relations Programme at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, UMS. She obtained her first law degree (LL.B.) and Master��s in International Trade Law (LL.M.) from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. Over the past few years, she has taught several core courses, including Public International Law, Global Environmental Politics, and Asia and International Trade. She has also published several articles in various academic journals as well as co-authored and co-edited a few books. Among others is ��Sabah Priority Issues: Setting the Course for Change,�� published in 2010. Her recent publications include a book chapter, ��Establishing Animus Occupandi for Effective Occupation of Pulau Layang-Layang: Analysis of Past Decided Cases�� (2024), and ��Empowering Youth: Education for Economic Disadvantage in Sabah, Malaysia�� (2025). Her research interests lie in areas concerning Malaysia and issues in international Law and international relations. She is also interested in Sabah��s environmental and developmental problems, as well as indigenous land rights and native title. She can be contacted via email mazlima@ums.edu.my.

Exploring Japanese Early Childhood Education: Lessons from an Educational Visit

2025-02-03T09:37:45+08:00

Author: Dr Connie Shin @ Connie Cassy Ompok

Faculty of Education and Sports Sciences, University Malaysia Sabah

INTRODUCTION

This article begins with an account of how I discovered my academic voice, emphasizing the importance of teaching children through culture, play, and active parental involvement. Observing children at play reveals qualities that can endure into adulthood. From the "nurture" perspective, it is crucial to cultivate positive attitudes and attributes in young individuals to help them grow into well-rounded adults. Childhood experiences and upbringing significantly influence one's adult life. Therefore, the formative years are the ideal time to foster a sense of unity and shared values.

Young individuals engage in activities that facilitate cross-cultural connections. Guidance may come from parents or older individuals, and children may form a diverse network of acquaintances across different age groups. Given the critical role early childhood education plays in unlocking children's potential and preparing them to face future challenges, ongoing efforts to improve its quality are essential. This study provides insights and reflections gained from an educational visit to Japan.

The National Standard Preschool Curriculum (NSPC) serves as a guideline for all prescho

ols, promoting balanced and holistic development in alignment with the National Education Philosophy (Ministry of Education, 2017). The curriculum focuses on six key components: communication, spirituality and moral values, humanity, self-development, physical and aesthetic development, and science and technology. These components are designed to cultivate critical and creative thinking, moral values, and innovation, ensuring that Malaysia's preschool education system prepares children to meet the country's future workforce demands, as outlined in the Malaysian Education Blueprint (2013�C2025).

The Malaysian government has increasingly prioritized quality control in preschool education, recognizing that a strong early start significantly contributes to children's long-term cognitive and social development, which, in turn, supports the nation's economic progress. Consequently, early childhood education (ECE) has become a central focus for improving educational outcomes. In recent years, research on early childhood education in Malaysia has primarily concentrated on enhancing the curriculum and learning environment.

In Malaysia, preschool education aims to provide learning experiences for children aged four to six years, nurturing their potential across all aspects of development, equipping them with basic skills, and fostering positive attitudes in preparation for primary school. However, the involvement of family and community in a child��s education remains underdeveloped. Research shows that family interaction, peer relationships, and the socio-economic and cultural environment significantly influence a child's overall well-being and development (Ismail et al., 2018; Majzub & Rashid, 2012). These factors are often overlooked when the focus is solely on academic achievement.

Japanese early childhood education (ECE) is marked by a comprehensive approach that emphasizes the integrated development of children��s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical abilities. The focus on play-centered education is a fundamental aspect of this system, in which children participate in both organized and free activities that promote creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving (Akita, 2010; Lewis, 1995). Teaching and learning activities are often shaped by philosophy and belief, integrating diverse cultural and religious influences. These approaches emphasize harmony, a connection with nature, and an understanding of the impermanence of all things.

Hands-on lessons play a crucial role in imparting valuable life skills and fostering positive habits in children. Learning these foundational skills at an early age is vital, as it prepares children for future responsibilities while promoting good habits, such as tidiness and organization. Early education in these areas not only supports personal growth but also lays the groundwork for a disciplined and well-rounded adulthood. During free play, children are encouraged to interact with their peers, fostering social connections and collaboration. This approach emphasizes building relationships and developing interpersonal skills, rather than encouraging solitary play, to promote a sense of community and mutual understanding among children.

To name a few, cultural traits of a country certainly influence the way education policies are formulated. Precision in daily activities has become a key aspect of life. The country's educational priorities are shaped by the drive to excel, with cultural values playing an important role. For instance, it is often said that the Japanese "eat with their eyes," as food is prepared neatly and attractively. Cleanliness and creativity within the community are highly valued. Perhaps the education system reflects the essence of the country��s psyche and culture, incorporating these values into its approach.

This uniqueness is reflected in the activities conducted throughout the year. Here are a few examples:

Community involvement in Japan is deeply embedded in the culture, with a strong emphasis on collective responsibility, cooperation, and mutual support.

Japanese girls Akari and Satsuki, dressed in traditional attire, visit a shrine in Tokyo for the Shichi-Go-San festival. Held annually on November 15, this festival celebrates the growth and well-being of young children, marking an important cultural milestone in Japan.

Madam Toh Keiko always spends time exercising up the hill with her grandchildren, enjoying both the physical activity and the opportunity to bond with them. The hill, surrounded by lush greenery, offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. As they climb, she encourages her grandchildren to appreciate the beauty of nature, teaching them valuable lessons about perseverance and the importance of staying active. The shared experience not only strengthens their physical health but also deepens their connection, creating lasting memories of quality time together.

Madam Toh Keiko always spends time reading storybooks to her grandchildren, creating a warm and nurturing atmosphere in their home. As they gather around, she brings the stories to life with her expressive voice, capturing their imaginations and sparking their love for reading. Whether it��s a fairytale or a story about adventure, her grandchildren eagerly listen, asking questions and engaging with the characters.

Lead a life closely connected to nature, and take time to appreciate its grandeur, beauty, and wonder. Engage with the world around you, exploring the various elements of life and developing a deep curiosity about their nature and organization. Cultivate an awareness of the intricate balance that exists in the natural world.

Acknowledge the importance of all life forms by fostering a sense of respect and appreciation. Take the time to observe and learn about the animals and plants living in your surrounding environment, allowing these interactions to deepen your understanding of the interconnectedness of life. Through this connection, you not only develop a greater appreciation for nature but also nurture a sense of responsibility toward preserving and protecting it.

Familiarity with culture and tradition is essential to nurture awareness of the connection between society and international understanding. The cultural traits of a country certainly influence the way education policies are formulated. Precision in daily activities has become an important value, influencing the way tasks are carried out. National educational priorities in Malaysia are driven by the need for excellence, and cultural elements play a significant role in shaping these priorities.

Despite the growing recognition of the importance of ECCEs, several challenges persist within Malaysia��s preschool education system. Parental engagement remains a critical issue, with studies showing that limited involvement��due to language barriers or a lack of awareness, thus hinders the effectiveness of multicultural education. Parental involvement and community support are crucial for a child's early learning, and without them, ECCE programs struggle to reach their full potential.

Fostering the value of respect for tradition and culture, as well as love for one��s country and regions is essential. Equally important is instilling respect for other countries and a desire to contribute to world peace and the development of the international community. Given the significance of early childhood education as the foundation for lifelong development, it plays a crucial role in shaping individuals who will contribute positively to the global community.

Considering the importance of early childhood education as the foundation for the lifelong formation of one��s character. Abdullah's (2023) study explored the character development of preschool-aged children, highlighting a positive shift towards a scholarly focus on the humanity aspects of early childhood education.? Early education plays a crucial role in building children's potential and preparing them for future challenges, and efforts to enhance its quality must continue. In future, Children must also be equipped with the foundation necessary to become creators of a of a sustainable society while working toward the goals and objectives of such education.

This can be achieved by encouraging each child to recognize their inherent goodness and potential, respect others as worthy individuals, collaborate with diverse people, overcome various social changes, and pave the way for a fulfilling future. Promoting voluntary activities and allowing children to lead a life that reflects their developmental needs��based on the idea that young children utilize experiences essential to their growth��can help them fully demonstrate their abilities in an emotionally stable environment.

In providing comprehensive instruction through play as a spontaneous activity of children in close cooperation with families while looking at the connection with post-elementary school education and life-long learning. Traditional games, in particular, hold significant value as they engage children in activities that promote social interaction, problem-solving, and cultural understanding, further enriching their developmental experiences.

Education during early childhood is crucial in cultivating a foundation for lifelong character development. Teachers must strive to build a relationship of trust with young children and create a positive educational environment in collaboration with them. This can be comprehensively achieved through play-centered instruction, considering that play��a spontaneous activity for children is an essential aspect of learning. Play helps cultivate a balanced development of both physical and mental aspects.

To encourage children to look forward to and stay motivated for future activities, it is important to help them gain perspective on and reflect upon their play and daily life experiences. Teachers should actively foster children's voluntary activities through various approaches, empowering them to take initiative and engage with their surroundings. Additionally, supporting early childhood education both at home and within the community is crucial to enriching children's overall lives. By strengthening these efforts, children's development can be enhanced in a holistic way, ensuring they are well-prepared for future challenges.

Given the close interrelationship between mental and physical health, teachers should promote the flexible development of both the body and mind in children. This approach allows children to experience a sense of self-awareness and fulfillment, which is fostered through warm relationships with teachers and peers. Teachers should encourage children to build the ability to relate to others in a group, where each individual is valued.

In doing so, teachers should help children act with confidence, showcasing their abilities within the group. This process involves recognizing their own unique characteristics and positive qualities, while also receiving affirmation from teachers and friends. Such interactions support the development of a healthy sense of self and social connection, both of which are vital for a child's overall well-being.

In conclusion, childhood and the experiences we have during our formative years play a defining role in shaping our adult lives. When it comes to unity, the most influential period is during these early years. Young people engage in activities that foster cross-cultural interactions, and depending on their age, they may be guided by parents or older individuals while forming friendships within a multi-racial community. Let us work together to build a beautiful, united Malaysia.

The author would like to thank Madam Toh Keiko (�� ��), from Kasuga City, Fukuoka Prefecture (��h��), for sharing photos of how she raises her two beautiful grandchildren.

REFERENCES

Akita, K. (2010). Early childhood education in Japan: A historical perspective. International Journal of Early Childhood, 42(2), 101�C116. https://doi.org/10.20617/reccej.59.1_3
Abdullah, M. A. R. (2023). Learning moral values through cartoons for Malaysian preschool-aged children. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 22(6), 370-394. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.22.6.20
Ismail, I. M., Anis, S. K., Subramaniam, T. S., Amiruddin, H., & Ismail, M. E. (2018). Penerapan elemen perkembangan kognitif, psikomotor dan sosio-emosi dalam permainan dalam mencapai objektif Kurikulum Standard Prasekolah Kebangsaan. Online Journal for TVET Practitioners, 1, 1-10. ISSN 2289-7410
Majzub, R. M., & Rashid, A. A. (2012). School readiness among preschool children. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 46, 3524�C3529. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.06.098
Ministry of Education. (2017). National Preschool Curriculum Standards (KSPK). Ministry of Education.
Lewis, C. C. (1995). Educating hearts and minds: Reflections on Japanese preschool and elementary education. Cambridge University Press.

Sabah Day, a Meaningful Day to Remember

2024-08-19T05:39:08+08:00

By:?Dr. Eko Prayitno Joko,?Head of the History Programme, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, �鶹��Ƶ

From colonised to independent. From the Federation of Malaya to the Federation of Malaysia. From National Day to Sabah Day. This transition marks the 61^st anniversary of Malaysia��s formation, the 67^th year of independence, and two years since the celebration of Sabah Day. The process has been long. The spirit is strong, but the substance remains limited.

If the previous generations sacrificed their lives for the country��s independence, then the current generation is responsible for giving meaning to that independence. Unfortunately, the understanding of independence still remains largely literal, just a statement which states Malaysia��s freedom from colonial rule. In terms of contents, it is marked with red date on annual calendar which remains constant. Celebrated with fireworks show by people of all backgrounds. Discussed in higher education by scholars, or celebrated through parade contingents in open fields, these rituals are consistently performed, displayed with colour and endless noise. It is not entirely wrong, it is just insufficient.

Imbuing independence with meaning requires more than symbolic celebrations. Thus, independence must be viewed in a broader context, relevant to the era��s context, and aligned with the aspirations of citizens. Today, Malaysia��s independence should be symbolised by a spirit of unity, inclusive action, and the celebration of diversity.

This spirit has long been nurtured and continues to be celebrated under the administration of unity government. Guided by the spirit of reform, the government is open not only to political democratisation but also to rewriting history. This openness allows for the potential documentation of new, localised narratives as part of Malaysia��s historical development.

Such openness seems welcomed in the context of Sabah��s development. This matter is marked by gazetting of Sabah Day, symbolising the state��s freedom from British rule. This gazetting does not mean that Sabah rejects the celebration of National Day but is simply a way to appreciate the contributions of Sabahans that are less mentioned in the national historiographical context. In other words, National Day and Sabah Day will be celebrated on the same date. Both brings the same meaning of independence. Both are about appreciating the contributions of past heroes.

Sabah Day �C A Gap in Need of Fulfilment

The gazetting of Sabah Day is not intended to be provocative. Its celebration aims to expose the younger generation in Sabah about the diversity of independence history among regions within Malaysia. This effort raises the possibility of ��history awareness�� related to local history richness in the context of national historiography. Nonetheless, the gazetting of Sabah Day must align with ��historiography of liberation.�� It should be capable to democratising ��national historiography��. Otherwise, Sabah Day will only be celebrated with independence slogans, accompanied by waving of the Jalur Gemilang and Sabah state flag.

The people of Sabah need more than these gestures. Sabah Day should be a medium to challenge the imbalance in historical representations within national historiography. This needs to be realised as understandings of national historiography is more highlighted in the perspectives of the Peninsular Malaysia. It is not comprehensive as it marginalises the historical perspectives of the Borneo communities �C specifically in Sabah. This imbalance can be corrected by reconstructing the national historiography, which can be addressed through the content of Sabah Day.

This medium can be used to highlight the leadership of Sabah figures in Malaysia��s development. Their contributions should be positioned on par with leaders from Peninsular Malaysia, widely acknowledged in national historiography. Introduced more frequently to Malaysians. Through this approach, national historiography becomes more democratic and humane, transcending ideological, social status, and regional boundaries. National historiography will no longer be discussed narrowly and written based on ��what actually happened�� instead of ��what is said to have happened��.

In addition to restructuring national historiography, Sabah Day��s narrative should also be broadened in terms of its themes. Previously, the narratives of Sabah��s independence history are centred around ��history from above,�� which now needs to be balanced with the writing of ��history from below��. Same goes to the historical collections, needs to be diversified. Reconstruction should not only rely solely on documentary sources, but also include oral histories from the locals. By doing so we can more frequently hear the voices of the ��marginalised communities,�� the ��poor�� and the ��illiterate�� in the local history writings of Sabah. This goal must be realised so that Sabah��s history, once uniform, will become more diverse.

The theme shift in writings of Sabah��s history will undoubtedly contribute to the nationalisation of local history. Moreover, more narratives of Sabah��s history can be documented and shared with the wider community. Subsequently, this matter will assist in the efforts of more history discourse within the national curriculum. Previously, the efforts were unsuccessful because it is hard for students to obtain materials on Sabah��s history, now the issue can be resolved.

UMS - The Vanguard of Giving Meaning to Sabah Day

The objective of empowering the content of Sabah Day is not easy. To succeed it requires cooperation from all parties, especially academics. In this matter, �鶹��Ƶ (UMS) holds great potential to achieve this goal as it is the only university in the Borneo region with a history programme and experts specialised in Borneo. This strength is further enhanced by UMS��s history programme focusing on expertise and research related to Borneo. These efforts are carried out through classroom activities, book and journal publications, conference presentation, and research among its academic peers.

In addition to the interest of the academic peers in Borneo �C Sabah research, this passion is also shared by its students. As of now, undergraduate theses from history students are stored neatly in the Inon Shaharuddin Library. Most of it are yet to be published due to financial constraints, despite its potential in enriching Sabah��s historiography is outstanding.

The opportunity of UMS to be the lead in giving meaning to Sabah Day through the documentation of local history is becoming harder to deny. This idea does not need to be explained through lofty theories but based on grounded empirical data. Given Sabah��s strategic position as a crossroads for communities from Asia and Europe, UMS has the potential to become a hub for Borneo-related studies. This idea has actually been voiced by Distinguished Professor Dr. Shamsul Amri, about the ability of UMS to become ��champion�� in providing resources related to Borneo collections. However, this idea has not been realised due to constraints that prevents the efforts of academic peers of UMS in implementing it. Nevertheless, this matter continues, be it slowly but steadily. With consistent work, surely one day every knowledge and research on Borneo �C Sabah carried out by UMS will be appreciated. Sought after to give meaning to Sabah Day. Called upon to democratise national historiography!

UMS Clock Tower: A Great Opportunity for Young Engineers

2024-04-02T03:39:29+08:00

Author: Dr. Connie Cassy Ompok

Faculty of Psychology and Education, �鶹��Ƶ

connieompok@ums.edu.my

In response to The Star article dated Saturday, February 17, 2024, titled "Put Out More Lucrative Offers to Keep Local Engineers," Malaysian stakeholders emphasized the necessity of offering more competitive incentives to retain local engineers.

As some Malaysian engineers are lured abroad by superior salary packages and others opt to leave the sector entirely, concerted efforts are deemed imperative to bolster the domestic engineering workforce.

In 2014, �鶹��Ƶ (UMS) achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Public Higher Learning Institution to erect a clock tower on its campus. Standing at a height of 9 meters, the clock tower was situated at the heart of the UMS roundabout, poised to become a prominent landmark and source of pride for the UMS community.

During the inauguration ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd. Harun Abdullah, emphasized the symbolic significance of the UMS clock tower, highlighting its representation of the value of time for intellectuals and scholars.

He stressed its role in instilling the discipline of time management not only among students but also among the staff of UMS. The construction of the UMS Clock Tower coincided with the university's 20th anniversary, making it an iconic symbol of this milestone.

Inspired by the vision of the 4th vice-chancellor, the concept was translated into an artistic form at the Concept Idea stage.

The original design concept was crafted by Suhaimi Latip, a Senior Architect Assistant at JPP, and further developed and brought to fruition through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts by BHO MELATI.

Uniqueness of UMS Clock Tower in Children Learning

According to Prof. Emeritus Dato�� Dr. Noraini Idris, the appeal of incorporating geometric foundations into early childhood education, emphasizing the importance of using the environment to facilitate learning.

It underscores the necessity of utilizing visuals, various shapes, and hands-on activities to engage young learners. Furthermore, it highlights the significance of STEM education in fostering critical thinking and reasoning skills from an early age, thereby laying the groundwork for lifelong learning.

STEM education is praised for promoting collaboration and knowledge-sharing among educators and students, thereby enriching their educational experiences. The statement also stresses the relevance of STEM skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, in today's job market. These skills complement 21st-century competencies like communication and literacy, empowering students to tackle real-world challenges and innovate solutions, thus enhancing their adaptability and competitiveness.

The statement advocates for a teaching approach that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math through hands-on activities, aiming to spark greater interest in STEM subjects among learners. It enumerates the benefits of STEM education for students, including enhanced critical thinking skills, preparation for future careers, improved technological literacy, promotion of innovation and creativity, emphasis on teamwork and collaboration, and enhancement of career readiness (Noraini, Ompok, Ling & Tambagas, 2019).

The Young Engineers

The Young Engineers program, centered around the UMS Clock Tower, represents an innovative approach to nurturing informal engineering skills in young children. Utilizing the UMS Clock Tower as a tool for assessment, this program concentrates on several crucial aspects of engineering that have been identified through a comprehensive literature review.

The Young Engineers program at the UMS Clock Tower is crafted to provide learners with the opportunity to put their classroom-acquired engineering skills into practice. By integrating basic technology and engineering elements, this initiative encourages participants to devise creative and innovative solutions for real-world challenges. Through engaging in both minds-on and hands-on activities, students can actively explore and develop practical problem-solving abilities.

The program's objective is to cultivate learners' engineering skills while also bolstering their problem-solving abilities, computational thinking, design thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, data literacy, and computer science proficiency.

Children as Engineers

Utilizing the UMS Clock Tower as a focal point, children can be introduced to the fundamentals of engineering. They will discover the individuals behind the design and construction of the UMS Clock Tower, gaining insights into the step-by-step design process as they engage in activities to construct miniature versions of the tower using various shapes. This hands-on approach not only fosters their creativity but also hones their critical thinking skills.

As the demand for STEM education continues to rise, there is an increasing need for highly qualified STEM educators who can proficiently teach these subjects. Empowering more young individuals to pursue engineering and related fields can contribute significantly to fulfilling this demand. Introducing young engineers through the UMS Clock Tower initiative necessitates specialized skills and knowledge that may not be commonly possessed by traditional educators. By fostering the development of more young engineers, we can enhance the quality of STEM education, ensuring that students receive the most comprehensive and effective learning experiences possible.

The series of dissections commences with a two-piece game and progresses to three, then four-piece games. At each stage, children are tasked with "fixing" the pieces of paper (reconstructing the original square), forming shapes with the pieces, and identifying the shapes they create.

The involvement of young engineers through the UMS Clock Tower initiative contributes to the advancement of technology integration in education, which is crucial for preparing students for the demands of the 21st-century workforce. The app serves as an interactive educational tool designed to teach children about shapes in an enjoyably and engagingly. It consists of two mini-games and a learning interface.

The learning interface offers an immersive experience, blending captivating visuals and audio to facilitate children's understanding of shapes. One of the mini-games focuses on reinforcing children's comprehension and memory of shapes, while the other challenges them to solve puzzles by arranging shapes into specific complex forms, such as a house. Overall, the app provides a comprehensive and entertaining learning platform for children to explore the world of shapes.

Fostering Engineering Skills Through Play

When children immerse themselves in engineering activities, they activate and develop their reasoning and problem-solving abilities dynamically. Through observation, investigation, analysis, and problem-solving, they engage with their environment, exploring and enhancing their competencies in the field of engineering.

While constructing the UMS Clock Tower, young children can engage in making observations, measurements, and comparisons. They can also record their observations, thoughts, and ideas, as well as construct arguments supported by evidence. Additionally, they can read and communicate information effectively.

New vocabulary related to building materials, such as "balance" and "support," can be introduced during the child's exploration. The introduction of new words should be tailored to the student's needs and relevant experience, ensuring that it enhances their understanding of the topic. Through the UMS Clock Tower, children can become familiar with terminology like "semi-oval," "octagon," "layout," and more.

Children will measure the dimensions and compare the variations in the design of the UMS Clock. Children will determine the sequence of construction for the UMS Clock Tower to ensure a sturdy and balanced structure. Children will construct a UMS Clock Tower using suitable materials to withstand loading and stress. Children assemble the cut paper pieces and organize the resulting shapes to construct the UMS Clock Tower.

Children arrange and ensure the balance of the shapes generated to build the UMS Clock Tower.

Through the activity of cutting various shapes using the UMS Clock Tower spreadsheet, children will grasp the concept of squaring. By viewing the UMS Clock Tower video, children can observe the tower's design from a 360-degree perspective, gaining insight into its structure from different angles.

During the construction of the UMS Clock Tower, children will discover how to join pieces of paper using glue to form shapes. As they build the UMS Clock Tower, children will arrange the construction layout in the correct sequence to create a square shape instead of a triangular one.

Children engage in communication by discussing buildings similar to the UMS Clock Tower and describing the shapes observed. Children engage in communication by discussing buildings akin to the UMS Clock Tower and articulating the shapes observed within it. The vocabulary employed by children mirrors that of engineers, encompassing terms such as 'balance,' 'design,' 'semi-oval,' 'octagon,' 'layout,' 'triangle,' and more. Integrating engineering activities into early learning education prompts children to perceive and reason in novel ways, fostering the development of their soft skills. It teaches them to amalgamate or innovate upon existing knowledge, enabling them to devise fresh and inventive solutions.

The children will engage in discussions and share their experiences regarding buildings that bear a striking resemblance to the design of the UMS Clock Tower. During the construction of the UMS Clock Tower, children will strategize which components should be tackled first to streamline the construction process. While viewing the UMS Clock Tower video, children will engage in discussions to recognize and comprehend the concepts employed in its design. Children will discuss the proper technique for cutting the UMS Clock Tower spreadsheet. Children express excitement both while watching the video and during the construction of the UMS Clock Tower.

When cutting, gluing, and assembling the UMS Clock Tower, children will deliberate and determine which tasks should take precedence. Through the UMS Clock Tower spreadsheet, children will envision the process and outcome of constructing the UMS Clock Tower. The materials utilized for constructing the UMS Clock Tower are both affordable. The UMS Clock Tower innovation incorporates a diverse range of equipment and incorporates technological elements.

The elegance, beauty, and historical significance of the UMS Clock Tower, as well as its surrounding scenery, can serve as sources of inspiration for children. The design of the UMS Clock Tower facilitates easy comparison of sizes and shapes for children.

The incorporation of simple technology in the innovation process ensures easy access to the UMS Clock Tower video for both teachers and children.

Young engineers through the UMS Clock Tower can foster innovation and creativity in students by introducing them to novel tools, technologies, and problem-solving approaches. Furthermore, young engineers through the UMS Clock Tower can play a vital role in promoting equity and access to high-quality STEM education.

By offering students in underserved communities the same opportunities as those in more affluent areas, this initiative helps bridge educational gaps and ensures equal access to learning resources. Moreover, young engineers through the UMS Clock Tower initiative contribute to meeting the pressing need for expanding the local engineering workforce. By nurturing interest and skills in engineering among students, this program helps address current demands and ensures a robust pipeline of engineering talent.

Marketing for Positive Social Change

2024-02-06T09:03:40+08:00

Embarking on a mission for a greener tomorrow, Faculty of Business, Economics and Accountancy (FBEA), �鶹��Ƶ (UMS) students initiated the "Strawvolution: Metal Straws for Sustainable Future" and ��Do something Drastic, reduce the Plastic�� project as part of their Social Marketing course, taught and guided by Dr. Bamini KPD Balarishnan. The idea behind the social marketing course is to bring positive social behavioural change within the community by using marketing principles. Dr. Bamini emphasises that marketing techniques and strategies can be applied to advance societal wellness rather than just increase business profits.

The ��Strawvolution campaign was conducted in SMK Bandaraya among the form 4 students. This environmentally conscious initiative advocates for a simple yet impactful change swapping plastic straws for reusable metal alternatives. This campaign fulfils the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

The project's core message revolves around the detrimental environmental effects of single-use plastic straws. By encouraging fellow students to adopt metal straws, Strawvolution seeks to curb the alarming plastic waste that plagues our ecosystems. Plastic straws, often in landfills and oceans, contribute significantly to pollution and harm marine life. The metal straw alternative presented by the project serves as a tangible step towards reducing this ecological footprint. The call to action resonates the core principles of UMS Eco-campus community, urging students to reconsider their daily habits in reducing the consumption of plastic. Participants were urged to embrace metal straws as a sustainable choice, emphasizing the long-term benefits of reducing plastic consumption. This social marketing campaign was executed by a team of student in collaboration with the Kota Kinabalu Environment Department (Jabatan Alam Sekitar) represented by Mdm. Chai Hsieh Nee who gave the talk on the negative consequences of plastic straws to the environment.

The social marketing campaign not only tackles the environmental crisis but also instils a sense of responsibility and awareness among secondary students, fostering a culture of mindful consumption. Strawvolution's impact extends beyond the immediate environmental sphere. It serves as an educational platform, enlightening students about the broader implications of their choices. The project encourages critical thinking about the lifecycle of everyday items and how individual decisions contribute to global issues. By actively participating in Strawvolution, students not only reduce their plastic waste but also become ambassadors for sustainable practices within their social circles. In the spirit of unity and shared responsibility, Strawvolution underscores the importance of collective action in addressing environmental challenges. Through this initiative, UMS students are not just embracing metal straws; they are contributing to a broader movement for sustainable living and paving the way for a more environmentally conscious future.

On the other hand, another dynamic team of student from the same Social Marketing course taught by Dr. Bamini with were at the forefront of a meaningful environmental movement in Kota Kinabalu. In collaboration with the Kota Kinabalu City Council, Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu (DBKK) and Eco-Campus UMS, this dedicated group was promoting social change through their impactful "Do Something Drastic, Cut the Plastic" campaign.

The team of student orchestrated a compelling campaign at Servay 1Borneo, where they distributed informative flyers and eco-friendly reusable bags. Through engaging directly with the community, the team sought to cultivate awareness and inspire individuals to adopt sustainable practices, thereby minimizing their dependence on single-use plastics.

A pivotal moment in their campaign was a talk held on December 18, 2023, at the Foyer of FBEA, UMS. The event featured esteemed panelists, Mr. Leong Tze Fui, Director of the Department of Solid Waste Management at DBKK, and Dr. Robert Francis Peters, Director of Eco-Campus UMS.

During the event, the student actively participated in discussions, underscoring their commitment to fostering environmental responsibility within the university and the broader community. Their mission is about reducing plastic consumption and inspiring a sustainable mindset among fellow students and beyond. With the distinctive name ��Do something drastic, reduce Plastic,' this student group is dedicated to making a tangible impact. Their presence at Servay 1Borneo and their involvement in the public talk epitomize the potency of grassroots movements led by enthusiastic students. As they continue to spearhead initiatives, the serves as a beacon for change, encouraging a shift towards more eco-conscious habits and contributing to a sustainable and environmentally responsible future in Kota Kinabalu.

According to Dr. Bamini, both the social marketing campaigns have reached the objective to bring enlightenment and positive behavioural change among the consumer in Kota Kinabalu, to be more responsible and mindful in their effort to support the SDG12 by 1. Reducing plastic waste and 2. Being thoughtful about what consumer buy and choosing a sustainable option whenever possible. The campaign ensure consumer reduce the consumption of plastic��one of the main pollutants of the ocean. Carrying a reusable bag, refusing to use plastic bags and straws are good habits for consumer in Kota Kinabalu city to do their part.

Making informed purchases also helps. For example, the textile industry today is the second largest polluter of clean water after agriculture, and many fashion companies exploit textile workers in the developing world. If you can buy from sustainable and local sources, you can make a difference as well as exercising pressure on businesses to adopt sustainable practices. Through executing the social marketing campaign, the FBEA, UMS students have gained problem solving, leadership, teamwork and professionalism skills for life-long learning experience and become a responsible business professionals in the future.

(Article by Dr. Bamini KPD Balakrishnan, Senior Lecturer at Faculty of Business, Economics and Accountancy UMS)