Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), through the Institute for Biotechnology Research (IPB), continues to strengthen its role in community development by implementing programs with direct impacts on local communities.

One significant initiative involves a knowledge transfer program at Rumah Amal Kasih Kingfisher in Kota Kinabalu, focusing on orphans and underprivileged groups (asnaf).

The program, aimed at enhancing participants' knowledge and skills in agrobiotechnology and modern agricultural technologies, is led by Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Wilson Yong Thau Lym, an expert in plant tissue culture and plant biotechnology.

According to Dr. Wilson, the primary objective of the project is to help the community expand their knowledge and improve their socioeconomic conditions through modern agricultural technologies.

“The knowledge transfer activities include aspects such as formulating planting media, fertilizer use, and fertigation farming methods.

“The program, which involves innovative vegetable cultivation projects, began in May this year and is being implemented in phases, engaging 20 children, teenagers, and staff members of Rumah Amal Kasih Kingfisher.

“Activities include basic training in agricultural biotechnology, the installation of fertigation systems through cooperative efforts, and periodic monitoring of the developed farming plots,” he said.

Dr. Wilson added that during a special visit to IPB as part of the program, participants were given in-depth exposure to sustainable agrobiotechnology applications.

“They were also provided the opportunity to tour the institute’s plant tissue culture laboratories and transgenic facilities.

“Additionally, participants received hands-on training in plant seed cultivation techniques, focusing on proper plant care methods,” he said.

He highlighted the support provided by IPB’s experts, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kenneth Francis Rodrigues, a specialist in plant genetics, and IPB Senior Research Officer Haslan Roslie.

Dr. Wilson expressed his gratitude to Rumah Amal Kasih Kingfisher, led by organization supervisor Jamrie Saparih, for ensuring the program’s success in empowering the community through close collaboration with IPB.

Meanwhile, IPB Director Prof. Dr. Lee Ping Chin emphasized that such knowledge transfer programs reflect UMS’s ongoing commitment to supporting inclusive and innovative educational agendas aligned with the vision of the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE).

“I believe programs like this provide short-term benefits to communities, but more importantly, they pave the way for sustainable socioeconomic transformation in the long term.

“By imparting knowledge and skills, communities will become more resilient and self-reliant in facing future challenges,” he said.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) through the Early Childhood Education Program (PAKK), Faculty of Education and Sports Studies (FPPS), recently held the UMS Student Entrepreneurship Carnival in conjunction with the Borneo Children's Day 2024 at FPPS, UMS.

According to the program director, Saturia Amiruddin, the event received full support from the Ministry of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship (MIDE) Sabah and collaborated with the UMS Flexible Education Center (UMSFLEC), the Knowledge and Language Enhancement Center (PPIB), and the Sustainable Mind Center (PML).

"This program, among other things, aims to provide a platform for students to develop entrepreneurial skills, showcase products and business ideas, as well as interact with successful entrepreneurs in the industry.

"This program not only brings joy and celebrates children but also provides exposure and new experiences related to entrepreneurship for children.

"Early exposure to entrepreneurship will benefit them, especially as they grow older, while raising awareness about the importance of entrepreneurship and best practices in PAKK, which need to be cultivated and spread to students, parents, teachers, and children," she said.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Secretary of MIDE, Moira David, who represented the Minister of MIDE, Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, at the closing ceremony, said the program was timely given the increasing challenges in the job market.

"Students should not solely rely on job opportunities coming from government agencies but must be more courageous and creative in seeking or creating job opportunities through entrepreneurship.

"I understand that this program has provided students with deeper exposure to the basics of early childhood education, how to plan and manage activities, and foster an interest in entrepreneurship.

"This will help them build leadership and management skills that will be useful for their future careers," she said.

She added that MIDE strongly supports the organization of such programs as they provide students with practical learning opportunities, broaden career inspiration, and empower themselves in aspects of program management, entrepreneurship, and PAKK.

Earlier, FPPS Dean, Associate Prof. Dr. Soon Singh, said that the program, which combined elements of entrepreneurship and children in one event, was something new and unique.

"The success of this program will inspire students to organize larger and more meaningful programs in the future.

"This, in turn, strengthens the role of UMS as an educational institution that not only develops the academic potential and character of students but also contributes to community development as a whole.

"May such initiatives continue to grow and benefit all parties involved in elevating the quality of PAKK in this region," he said.

Several activities were held throughout the carnival, including exhibitions, workshops, and talks on best practices in PAKK; sales booths; interactive activities with children such as puppet shows, role plays, shadow plays, storytelling, mask play, doll play, and read-aloud sessions; Sabah PAKK Students Roundtable Discussion; creativity workshops; coloring contests; and drama and theater performances.

Also present were the Deputy Dean of Research and Innovation FPPS, Dr. Md Safwan Samsir; the Head of PAKK Program FPPS, Dr. Juppri Bacotang; and the President of the PAKK FPPS Club, Siti Nur Hayaati Jasman.

The One Health Student Club (OHSC) of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), in collaboration with the U-Science Center UMS and the Sabah Ministry of Science and Technology, recently launched the ‘Professor@School’ program at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Majakir, Papar.

This program aims to guide school students in choosing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) as their future career paths.

According to OHSC advisor, Dr. Zulkhairul Naim Sidek Ahmad, a variety of programs have been planned, to be implemented over four years, involving OHSC UMS students from various disciplines as mentors for selected school students.

He explained that this initiative aims to provide exposure, inspiration, and guidance to school students, helping them better prepare for pursuing education in STEM fields.

“We want to show them that STEM is not only interesting but also opens vast opportunities for the future. With the help of mentors, students can see firsthand how theories are applied in the real world.

“With the close collaboration between OHSC UMS and the schools, the ‘Professor@School’ program is expected to make a significant impact on the school students and their future in the STEM world,” he elaborated.

The first phase of the program was officially launched by the Principal of SMK Majakir Papar, Zuraidah Salleh.

Zuraidah expressed her hope that over 80% of the students selected for the program would choose STEM as their career direction.

“This program is an extraordinary opportunity to expose students to the world of STEM through continuous mentoring,” she said.

The ‘Professor@School’ program involves regular mentoring sessions, hands-on activities, motivational talks, and visits to laboratories and faculties at UMS.

The mentor-mentee approach is designed to build strong connections between school students and university students, creating a supportive and conducive learning environment.