PITAS: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Knowledge Transfer Programme in Kampung Pituru and Bongkol here last Nov 26-27 has given benefits to the villagers in the aspects of foreign language introduction and e-business.
Deputy Dean of Research, Innovation, and Community Services, Knowledge and Language Promotion Center (PPIB), Associate Professor Dr Halina Sendera Mohd Yakin, who accompanied a group of about 20 academic support staff and students, said the programme was aimed at building a network of cooperation with outside organisations as well as the villagers.
“This programme also builds networks with the local community through gotong royong programs and activities as well as knowledge transfer,” she said, adding, participants from UMS also gained knowledge about planting of eucalyptus pelita trees by Acacia Forest Industries (AFI) Sdn Bhd.
The programme themed ‘Love Green Pitas’ was implemented as a result of cooperation between PPIB UMS and Acacia Forest Industries Sdn Bhd as well as residents from the two villages.
The implementation of the programme in Kg Pituru and Kg Bongkol also received the support of the Village Heads (KK) and the Village Community Management Committee (JPKK) Chairmen of the two villages.
The gotong royong activities involve working together to repair and paint the Kg Pituru community hall, cleaning, repairing and painting the tamu site, futsal arena and multipurpose hall as well as making Kg Bongkol landmarks.
While knowledge transfer involves the introduction of foreign languages such as English, Mandarin and French as well as basic e-business courses conducted by PPIB academics.
Meanwhile, the staff of Acacia Forest Industries briefed the participants from UMS on the planting of Eucalyptus pelita trees and its plantation which is the main business activity of the company.
The community programme here is run by Dr Abdul Hair Beddu Assis as the Head of the CSR Knowledge Transfer Programme, who is also the Chairman of the PPIB Community Engagement Committee.
Dr Mohd Norazan Abdullah, Dr Rudy Ansar, Mohamad Aqmal Hafidz Musa, Kwan Yien Yee and Azee Marnitta Lagason handled the knowledge transfer.
The UMS delegation comprised Dr Abang Mohamad Razif Abang Muis, Erwin Rusfian Rukkung, Amina Ali, Nur Atikah Rahman, Mohammad Fazley Madnin, Saidatul Sahirah Adam, Nevashiny A/P Karuppiah, Fauziah Nasir and several PLUMS students.
The implementation of the programme has the strong support of the Dean of PPIB, Associate Professor Dr Lai Yew Meng and Head of PPIB Administration, Deputy Registrar Sirahim Abdullah.
