The 'On-Site Learning' activity was carried out by second-year students from the Civil Engineering program, Faculty of Engineering (FKJ) Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), which took place at Kampung Padang Tengah, Petagas, recently.

FKJ lecturer Sr. Ts. Dr. Asmawan Mohd Sarman, who guided students step-by-step in making this program a success, stated that this program was to provide an exposure to students on pre-cast construction using DURA Technology.

According to Sr. Ts. Dr. Asmawan Mohd Sarman, the 'On-Site Learning' activity was carried out to provide early exposure to students about the actual builders on the construction site.

 “In addition, with this early exposure, students can learn about how the construction method they learned during classes are applied and practiced in the actual situation at the construction site”

“The other main objectives are to provide students with an overview of the actual contract management process for a construction project construction project being implemented,” he said in a statement.

Other than that, this program is in collaboration with Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR) Kota Kinabalu Sabah and Azam Lumut Sdn Bhd was attended by Sabah Minister of Public Works, Datuk Ir. Haji Shahelmey Yahya and the division engineer, Ts Zulkefli Salip Arjun who is also an alumni of UMS Civil Engineering.

Throughout the program, the participants were also accompanied by Ts. Dr. Elis Mardzianah Datuk Hj Mazlan and the engineer responsible on the construction site, James Thomas, who have clearly explained and gave a demonstration to students on how the process of building a bridge is carried out using DURA Technology.

Through this ‘On-Site Learning’ program, students were able to boost their enthusiasm for exploring new knowledge and applying what they have learned in an actual construction site. Moreover, this site visit gives students an invaluable opportunity to gain practical experience in the construction field.

Through hands-on demonstration and insights into real-world contract management, the students were able to enhance their understanding of construction practices.

The Skolar Next Level: Educators with Canva and ChatGPT (SNL) program, organized by Skolar Malaysia in collaboration with Center For e-Learning (PEP) Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and Sawit Kinabalu Group, aims to expose educators to the use of Generative AI technology and Canva in teaching and learning.

UMS PEP Director Prof. Dr. Fong Soon Fook stated that collaboration between public universities and schools is essential to equip students with awareness and readiness in utilizing the latest educational technologies.

“Skolar Next Level is an initiative implemented in several Malaysian states to spread awareness on the importance of digital skills in modern education.

"This is in line with the second core of digital education policy, Digital Competent Educators, to bridge the digital divide, and also aligns with the fourth Sustainable Development Goal, quality education, to empower educators,” he said in a statement during the program’s launch," he said.

According to Fong, through the SNL program, educators can practice using technology such as ChatGPT for preparing teaching materials, as well as Canva to create visual ideas that are more engaging and easily understood by students.

“This not only enhances teachers’ creativity as educators but also helps them deliver information more clearly and effectively,” Fong added.

He further expressed hope that the Skolar Next Level program would open new opportunities for educators in Sabah, particularly in accelerating technology learning.

“Through this program, educators can acquire relevant skills for the digital age, while also developing innovative and creative thinking to apply interactive teaching methods in the classroom.”

The SNL program gathered 200 participants, including lecturers, teachers, lifelong learners, and trainers from across Sabah.

The event featured Dr. Muhammad Tazli Azizan, co-founder of Skolar Malaysia, who served as the program's main trainer and is the second Canva Verified Expert, along with Brandon Liau, a native of Sabah and Malaysia's first Canva Verified Expert.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), through its Natural Disaster Research Centre (NDRC), strengthened its commitment to disaster research and management by participating in the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) 2024 held at the Manila International Convention Center, Philippines.

The conference, organized by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) in collaboration with the Philippine Government, was attended by NDRC UMS Director, Assoc. Prof. Ts. Gs. Dr. Carolyn M. Payus, as an official delegate representing Malaysia under the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), led by Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

According to Carolyn, NDRC’s involvement in this conference is vital for transferring disaster management knowledge and skills at the Asia Pacific level and for highlighting UMS’s research and international collaborations.

“Participation in APMCDRR 2024 strengthens the relationship between NDRC, UMS, and NADMA, while enhancing cross-country research collaborations in disaster risk management.

“This engagement also helps to update sectoral collaborations at the international level,” Carolyn explained.

She further emphasized that the four-day conference provided NDRC with the opportunity to share experiences and discuss disaster management strategies with other parties, especially regarding climate change issues.

“The plenary sessions, working sessions, and focus events also allowed participants to exchange ideas and explore innovative disaster risk reduction (DRR) approaches practiced by other countries.

“One of Malaysia’s initiatives highlighted at the conference was the implementation of Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) by the community in Mesilau, Kundasang, which has become a model for community-based disaster risk management in the country,” she said.

Also present were NADMA Director-General Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus; Deputy Commissioner (Management) of the Malaysian Civil Defence Force, Dato’ Ismail Mohd Zawawi; and NDRC UMS Research Officer, Eldawaty Madran.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) celebrated its 30th anniversary together with the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations at its Dewan Resital, under the theme “Unity in Celebration: 30 Years of Excellence, 50 Years of Friendship.” 

The event highlighted UMS’s role in fostering international ties, especially with China as a key partner in educational and cultural exchanges.

The event brought together university leaders, students and distinguished guests, including UMS Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Haji Mansor and Dr Huang ShiFang, the Consul General of China in Kota Kinabalu.

“This milestone is not just a reflection of our past achievements but a beacon of inspiration for our current and future staff and students," said Kasim, emphasising that UMS is here to create globally aware graduates.

​​"It serves as a reminder of the opportunities available to them and the legacy they are inheriting," he added, urging students to embrace the university's spirit of "learning, growth, and resilience" as they prepare to "envision the paths they will carve in the future.

"UMS's connection with China, one of its key international partners, has been instrumental in creating these opportunities.
Kasim highlighted UMS internationalisation policy that enhances global standing, allowing UMS to attract faculty and students from across borders and support initiatives like student exchanges and joint research.
Through partnerships with Chinese institutions, UMS has enriched its academic landscape, especially in fields such as education, marine science, and biodiversity, fostering both academic and cultural growth.
The celebration marked the achievements of UMS's past also looked towards future possibilities.
"As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to building a legacy of excellence that reflects our values and aspirations,” Kasim said.​

Meanwhile, Huang congratulated UMS on its 30th anniversary, applauding its role in fostering Malaysia-China relations through educational and cultural exchanges.

"UMS is known as the EcoCampus and one of the most beautiful universities in Southeast Asia," she said, acknowledging its significant contributions to both local talent development
and international cooperation.

She praised UMS for hosting the first Confucius Institute in East Malaysia, a key platform for cross-cultural learning, which has become a bridge of friendship and mutual understanding
between China and Sabah.