Graduates who excel in various aspects are essential assets to the nation, driving development and competing on the international stage.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Kasim Hj. Mansor, highlighted this as aligned with the Ministry of Higher Education’s (KPT) vision of Quality Higher Education, Outstanding Individuals, Prosperous Nation.

"It is evident that the nation aspires to produce graduates who are not only academically excellent but also possess outstanding character," he said.

“To this end, UMS, through the Centre for Co-curriculum and Student Advancement, offers courses aimed at honing students’ potential and developing their soft skills through appropriate curricula and organized programs,” he explained.

He made these remarks during the closing ceremony of the UMS Co-Curriculum Carnival (KARKUMS) Session 1 2023/2024 at the UMS Chancellor Hall.

Kasim added that one of the key initiatives undertaken is the Innovation Carnival with the theme ‘Simple and Realistic Innovations.’

"Through this initiative, students are exposed to innovation under the guidance of certified trainers.

"This is a commendable effort to open students’ eyes to innovation and provide them with the opportunity to think creatively, in line with UMS’s slogan, ‘Leading an Innovative Society,’" he said.

Kasim also noted that the KARKUMS Carnival allowed students to showcase their learning outcomes creatively and vibrantly at their respective exhibition booths.

“With the theme of culture and tradition, the event instilled a love for cultural heritage among students, in line with this year’s carnival slogan, ‘Cultivating the Tradition of National Heritage, Sustaining Genuine Identity,’" he added.

During the event, Kasim also officiated the launch of the KARKUMS logo in conjunction with UMS’s 30th anniversary.

Also present were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student and Alumni Affairs), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Raman Noordin; Director of the Centre for Co-curriculum and Student Advancement (PKPP), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jurry Foo; and KARKUMS Program Director, Awang Ku Syaiffudinsah Awang Ku Zainuddin.

The Borneo Marine Research Institute (IPMB) of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) has been officially recognized as a Higher Education Centre of Excellence (HiCoE) for its expertise in producing high-value marine fish fry.

According to IPMB Director, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ching Fui Fui, the institute received this recognition from the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT), along with a HiCoE grant of RM6.75 million.

She noted that IPMB is the first HiCoE in Borneo, focusing its research on seafood security, specifically in the production of high-value fish fry such as grouper and coral trout.

“IPMB has made history in the grouper aquaculture industry by successfully producing hybrid groupers with a fast growth rate of just seven months compared to three years for regular groupers.

“This rapid growth is crucial to meet the market demand for seafood not only in Malaysia but also across Asia.

“In addition to grouper, IPMB is actively conducting research on coral trout, covering various aspects such as genetics, breeding, nutrition, health, and system management. So far, we have identified the gender and maturity stages of coral trout broodstock and successfully obtained high-quality fertilizable eggs,” she explained.

She shared this after a visit from the Minister of Higher Education, Datuk Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd. Kadir, to the IPMB Hatchery during his first official working visit to UMS recently.

The visit was accompanied by Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Datuk Ts. Mustapha Sakmud; Director-General of Higher Education, Prof. Dr. Azlinda Azman; and UMS Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Kasim Hj. Mansor.

According to Prof. Kasim, UMS’s hybrid grouper research has created an economic value of USD630 million, as documented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2015, with its value continuing to grow.

“I am confident that similar success can be achieved with other high-value fish, especially coral trout, ensuring seafood security through the production of high-quality fry.

“This effort is expected to address the issue of depletion of high-value fish stocks, ensuring the sustainability of fisheries resources while driving economic growth through collaborations with aquaculture partners and industry players,” he stated.

During the visit, Prof. Kasim expressed gratitude to KPT for providing RM3 million in funding for the first year of the HiCoE IPMB program.

HiCoE IPMB will also collaborate with Kindai University, several other universities locally and internationally, and the Sabah State Government to drive the blue economy agenda, aligning with Sabah’s development plan as a national economic hub.

The Ministry of Higher Education has announced that an additional allocation of RM2 million will be provided to address the water problems at the main campus of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), here.

Its minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir saidthat RM1 million of the allocation will be used to fund the installation of pumps, allowing water from below to flow to higher ground within the university.

The remaining funds will be utilized to construct more water pipes around the campus, ensuring an adequate water supply for UMS citizens, particularly the students residing on campus.

These measures were identified as key concerns by UMS residents and were discussed during a meeting between Zambry and university students at the UMS main campus in Likas, today.

He said the allocation is in addition to the RM3 million previously announced by the Prime Minister to address the water problem at UMS.

Zambry expressed his hope that the implementation of the water supply improvement project at UMS will proceed swiftly for the benefit of all.

Furthermore, he mentioned the state government’s long-term plan to enhance water supply capacity in the state, and expressed his desire for UMS experts to contribute to the success of this mission