In a significant stride towards sustainable agriculture and academic excellence, the EcoFarm Management Center (EcoFarm) at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) recently celebrated the inauguration of the Highland Agriculture Research and Learning Center (PETIK).

This momentous occasion marked the culmination of a fruitful collaboration between UMS and Kundasang Aquafarm (KAF) in advancing research and learning initiatives in highland agriculture, particularly in the picturesque locale of Kg. Mesilau, Kundasang.

The ceremony, graced by the Vice-Chancellor of UMS, Professor Datuk Dr. Kasim Hj. Mansor, underscored PETIK’s pivotal role as a hub for pioneering research and educational activities in highland agriculture and agro-tourism.

Prof. Kasim emphasized PETIK’s significance as a platform for sustainable agricultural management practices, a testament to the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) inked between UMS and Kundasang Aquafarm.

Initiated in 2021, the collaborative efforts between UMS and KAF materialized with the completion of PETIK’s first phase development by 2023/2024.

This phase saw the establishment of 10 fully equipped greenhouses, complete with hydroponic facilities for the cultivation of leafy vegetables and fruits. Prof. Kasim hailed the completion of this phase, highlighting the commencement of planting and initial sales activities as a promising step towards realizing PETIK’s objectives.

The PETIK project extends beyond academic boundaries, serving as a platform for industry engagement and community empowerment.

Prof. Kasim reiterated PETIK’s commitment to nurturing future agricultural leaders by providing hands-on training opportunities for students from various universities. This holistic approach, he emphasized, aligns with the university’s ethos of fostering meaningful collaborations between academia, industry, and society.

During the ceremony, accolades were extended to Azizul Julirin, the Managing Director of KAF, who received the inauguration certificate. The event also witnessed the symbolic planting of coffee trees alongside the harvesting of leafy vegetables from the hydroponic system, emblematic of PETIK’s multifaceted approach towards sustainable agriculture.

Dr. Januarius Gobilik, Director of EcoFarm, highlighted PETIK’s broader objectives, including soil stabilization initiatives and the cultivation of high-value crops like Arabica Catimor coffee. He stressed the project’s dual focus on research and agro-tourism, emphasizing the active involvement of local communities in ensuring its success.

Beyond PETIK, EcoFarm continues to spearhead sustainable initiatives, including the development of the AFEEDRI Life Sciences Laboratory in Apin-Apin, Keningau, aimed at fostering entrepreneurial activities and supporting student research endeavors.

The inauguration ceremony, attended by key dignitaries including representatives from the Sabah Development Institute and various academic departments within UMS, underscored the collective commitment towards advancing sustainable agriculture and academic excellence in the region.

As PETIK sets its sights on a promising future, it stands as a beacon of innovation and collaboration, poised to make significant contributions to the agricultural landscape of Sabah and beyond.

The Faculty of Engineering (FKJ), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), recently organized a Retreat and Workshop on Key Result Areas (KRA) for 2024 at Beringgis Beach Resort, Papar.

According to FKJ Dean, Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Ismail Saad, the program aimed to design, plan, and establish strategies to align with UMS’s Strategic Plan for 2024.

“This program also provides an opportunity to review and reassess the achievements of each KRA set by the Faculty of Engineering for 2023,” he stated.

In his speech, Dr. Ismail emphasized the importance of the faculty’s slogan, “Bersatu Kita Teguh” (Unity is Strength), as a shared value to instill teamwork and strong collaboration among all staff. This effort is crucial to achieving the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) outlined in UMS’s Strategic Plan for 2023-2027.

To further strengthen the faculty's ethos, he introduced the core values under the acronym TEGUH: Teamwork, Excellence, Good Governance, Universe, and Harmony.

These values are to be integrated into every initiative undertaken by the faculty.

Dr. Ismail also expressed his gratitude to all members for their contributions, both direct and indirect, in ensuring the success of the retreat and workshop.

“It is hoped that all plans and entrusted responsibilities will be executed with excellence to achieve the faculty’s goals,” he added.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) through Bursar Department has taken the initiative to share knowledge on withholding tax implementation with representatives from other universities and agencies.

Officiated by UMS Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Kasim Mansor, the two-day seminar was attended by 84 participants from public and private higher education institutions and public agencies.

Prof. Kasim emphasized that as a public university already implementing withholding tax, the seminar serves as an effective platform for fostering mutual understanding.

"In line with the National Higher Education Strategic Plan to enhance professionalism in financial sustainability and taxation within public universities, UMS began implementing withholding tax in 2017 as a response to this call.

"This seminar is expected to provide insights into the management and financial impact of withholding tax for agencies, with input from the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) and representatives from public and private universities, as well as other public agencies," he said.

His speech was delivered by UMS Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Ir. Dr. Rosalam Sarbatly.

Meanwhile, UMS Bursar, Badrul Hisham Ismail, highlighted that the seminar allows participants to apply the knowledge gained for the advancement of their careers and organizations at a national level.

"This initiative also fosters and strengthens relationships with other agencies aligned with our roles and objectives.

"With a comprehensive agenda, we hope this seminar will significantly contribute to enhancing withholding tax implementation across the various institutions represented," he added.

Also present at the seminar were UNIMAS Bursar, Dr. Haji Mazlan Kiflie; UMS Director of the Centre for Investment, Endowment, and Waqf (CIEW), Dr. Borhan Sareya Abdullah; and Seminar Committee Chairperson, Mohamad Edrus Othman.