A delegation from the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Pakuan, Bogor, Indonesia visited the Faculty of Business, Economics, and Accountancy (FBEA) at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) recently as the two institutions marking the beginning of an enriching academic mobility program aimed at strengthening ties between both universities.

The visiting group, comprising four faculty members and four students led by Postgraduate lecturers, Dr. Hari Muharam, is set to engage in several collaborative activities during their stay.

According to a statement by FBEA, the program's primary objective is to explore opportunities for joint research projects, publications, and mobility programs that could benefit both faculties.

“Meetings scheduled between the visiting delegation and UMS faculty members to discuss potential areas for research collaboration, as well as inbound and outbound student and faculty mobility programs.

“The exchange also aims to facilitate matching sessions to align both institutions' academic interests and goals for long-term partnerships.

“In addition to formal discussions, the delegation will participate in community service activities designed to foster social engagement and contribute positively to the local communities surrounding UMS,” according to the statement.

FBEA statement also noted that, as part of the itinerary, a field trip to Kundasang has been arranged, where the group will visit a successful business venture operated by a UMS alumnus.

“This visit not only highlights the entrepreneurial achievements of UMS graduates but also provides an opportunity for the visiting students and faculty to witness the impact of university education on local business success.

“The ongoing mobility program between Universitas Pakuan and UMS signifies a strong commitment to enhancing cross-border educational experiences and nurturing global academic partnerships.

Also present to greet the Universitas Pakuan delegation arrival, Deputy Dean of Research and Innovation, FBEA, Associate Professor Dr. Suddin Lada who was represent the Dean, and Deputy Dean of Student Affair and Postgraduate, FBEA, Dr. Jakaria Dasan.

The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) recently conducted an official visit to Universitas Indonesia in Jakarta and Universitas Padjadjaran in Bandung.

FMHS UMS Deputy Dean (Academic and International), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fairrul Masnah @ Kadir, stated that the program aimed to benchmark academic and clinical fields, promote FMHS UMS, and encourage future collaborations between the institutions.

He noted that this visit provided UMS with an opportunity to gain valuable insights and witness the remarkable progress both universities have achieved since the pre-war era.

"Both institutions warmly welcomed us and showed exceptional hospitality.

"At Universitas Indonesia, we were impressed by the factors contributing to its status as the top university in Indonesia. The Department of Radiology has 18 radiology specialists, 90 percent of whom have single or multiple subspecialties, and it is equipped with the latest medical imaging technology.

"Additionally, the ophthalmology team has developed an innovative eye screening kit, comparable to well-known kits on the market," he said.

"Similarly, our visit to Universitas Padjadjaran revealed remarkable talent and medical facilities, particularly at the Cicendo National Eye Center in Indonesia, which has state-of-the-art surgical rooms, clinics, and screening and clinical assessment rooms," Fairrul added.

He made these remarks in a statement.

Both institutions also expressed high hopes of establishing collaborations with UMS in various areas, including research, publications, courses, as well as student and staff exchanges.

This collaboration not only reflects UMS's commitment to advancing medical education and practice but also strengthens academic ties between Malaysia and Indonesia, contributing to the global enhancement of education and healthcare standards.

A total of seven medical students from Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Netherlands experienced hands-on learning at rural health clinics in Sabah through the Minor Global Health Program, a collaboration of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Erasmus University Rotterdam and University Technology Mara(UiTM).

The program, managed by the International Unit of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FPSK) UMS, ran for seven days and provided students with exposure to various clinical cases in rural areas, as well as home visits to patients.

According to the program coordinator, Dr. Cindy Chin, the program also offered students the opportunity to learn about the culture in Sabah through visits to several interesting places in the region.

“This program allows them to understand the challenges faced by clinics in rural areas around Kudat, such as the lack of equipment for high-risk cases, as well as issues related to transportation and local accessibility.

“Through the home visits and the interview, the students able to experienced first hand the challenges face by the patients, despite of the language barrier. This is only made possible with the great assistance from the rural clinic doctors” she said.

Cindy expressed hope to enhance collaboration with international medical institutions to further develop the Global Health Minor Program at UMS.

“We would like to extend our appreciation to industry partners and medical institutions such as the Kudat District Health Office, Matunggong Health Clinic, and Narandang Health Clinic for their support in making this program successful.

“We at the International Unit of FPSK UMS also value the continuous support from the university and are committed to conducting similar programs to prepare medical students to become future-proof graduates,” she said.

In addition to their time in Sabah, the Erasmus University Rotterdam students also participated in activities at UiTM Shah Alam.

The Higher Education Leadership Academy (AKEPT) and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) have recently signed a collaboration agreement for a project aimed at improving the University Leadership Directory (UniLead) system.

The UniLead system is a one-stop solution that will be used by AKEPT, the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), and all public higher education institutions (IPTA) to generate competency profile analyses of high-potential candidates, assisting in strategic decision-making processes for filling key positions in IPTAs.

The system also aims to help all users manage training development processes more efficiently, transparently, and effectively to empower the talent pool.

According to UMS Registrar, Luqman Ridha Anwar, the project is an important initiative that will significantly impact MOHE, AKEPT, and all public universities in efforts to strengthen talent within the higher education sector.

“The close relationship between AKEPT and UMS is not new; it has existed for a long time through various collaborations involving training and leadership programs.

“AKEPT and the Leadership and Talent Development Division (BKEPT) at the UMS Registrar’s Office have worked closely on various programs, particularly in fostering professional skills and development.

“This established bond and collaboration provide a strong foundation to continue joint initiatives in developing the UniLead system,” he said.

Luqman explained that the AKEPT-UMS partnership was reinforced through an attachment program that began in March 2023 and is set to continue until February 2024, with two UMS staff being placed at AKEPT on a rotating basis to develop the UniLead modules, followed by training modules.

“With AKEPT’s request to improve this system, our team at UMS is proud to play a key role in developing new modules like LeadDNA, which will serve as an innovative and strategic assessment tool for AKEPT.

“We hope that the close collaboration between UMS and AKEPT will continue, and UMS is committed to supporting AKEPT in future initiatives related to digital transformation in higher education leadership,” said Luqman.

The enhancements to the UniLead system aim to ensure the sustainability of competency-based human resource management accessible to AKEPT management and the Talent Management Units in all IPTAs.

This data will assist in planning leadership talent training within universities, allowing it to be regularly monitored and managed within a structured human resources ecosystem.

Also in attendance were AKEPT Director Prof. Dr. Harshita Aini Haroon; Deputy Director of AKEPT Talent Management Center, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norazharuddin Shah Abdullah; UMS Chief Digital Officer, Prof. Dr. Ag. Asri Ag. Ibrahim; AKEPT Registrar, Hanis Huzaira Abd Hanan, and UMS Head of BKEPT, Kamisah Husin.