The "Pameran Petak Pertama" exhibition, organized in collaboration with the Academy of Arts and Creative Technology (ASTiF) Alumni of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and the Azman Hashim Gallery UMS (GAH-UMS), served as a platform for emerging artists to take their first steps into Malaysia's art industry.

The exhibition features works by 21 alumni from the UH621001 Visual Arts Technology cohort of 2020/2021 from ASTiF UMS, showcasing 46 paintings and sculptures. These works are on display and available for purchase at the Kalimaran and Kaamatan exhibition halls of GAH-UMS, from May 4 to June 14.

UMS Vice Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Kasim Hj Mansor, highlighted the involvement of ASTiF alumni in this exhibition as evidence of their ongoing commitment to their alma mater, even after graduation, fostering strong collaborations.

“The collaboration through this exhibition benefits both the participants and GAH-UMS. Appreciation should also be given to the ASTiF lecturers who have trained and produced talented graduates in the country’s visual arts field,” he said.

The exhibition was officiated by Malaysian Visual Arts Consultant and Founder of Pantau Iraga Art Space, Awang Damit Ahmad, at the Sekafi Auditorium, GAH-UMS. Prof. Madya Dr. Mohammad Puad Bebit, Director of GAH-UMS, delivered the Vice Chancellor’s speech.

In his speech, Awang Damit encouraged young artists to continue their journey in the arts, even as the art industry undergoes changes due to globalization and urbanization.

“Malaysia’s younger generation of artists must keep moving forward and act as catalysts for future generations of artists,” he said.

He also emphasized the importance of institutions like GAH-UMS in providing opportunities for emerging artists to grow, create, and explore new possibilities in the field.

Following the opening, Awang Damit spent time with the artists in a discussion session titled “Masih Ada Ruang” (There is Still Space), where they discussed the current landscape of Malaysian art.

Also present at the event were UMS Chief Librarian, Md. Sazali Md. Salleh; Exhibition Organizing Director, Irham Zulhilmi Mohd. Johan; local artists; and artists from Brunei Darussalam.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) recently hosted the Majlis Alumni Universiti Awam (MAlumni) 2024 Strategic Workshop, welcoming alumni representatives from public universities across Malaysia.

Associate Prof. Dr. Raman Noordin, UMS Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) and Chairman of the Malaysian Public Universities Alumni Council (MAlumni), shared that the workshop focused on discussions and strategies to strengthen the roles and functions of MAlumni at public universities in Malaysia.

He added that the workshop also reviewed upcoming programs for this year, including the Alumni Awards (MAL23).

“This two-day strategic workshop, held from April 25 to 26, was attended by directors and representatives of alumni centres from various universities,” he said.

Topics discussed included refining the core mission of MAlumni, revising the alumni management guidebook, and planning high-impact programs for this year and the next.

“MAlumni serves as a platform for all public university alumni centres to unite efforts in empowering alumni nationwide,” he emphasized.

The workshop, held at the UMS Chancellor's Building, was also attended by UMS Alumni Centre Director, Dr. Arif Kamisan Pusiran; the Deputy Director of the Student Affairs Division (BHEP), Ministry of Higher Education (KPT), Nurul Aida Mohd Nordin; and the Assistant Director of the KPT BHEP’s Service Management Unit, Idura Yaakup.

Around 1,500 visitors attended the ‘Raya! Rayakan Alumni’ Aidilfitri celebration organized by the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Alumni Centre at the Dataran Dewan Canselor.

According to UMS Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Kasim Mansor, the celebration aimed to foster a sense of family and strengthen unity among UMS alumni.

He added that the event also provided an opportunity for alumni to reconnect while enjoying various dishes prepared for the occasion.

“This is the perfect time during Aidilfitri to let go of all disagreements and conflicts, and strengthen cooperation among alumni, future alumni, and our alma mater,” he said.

The Alumni Centre has been given the mandate by the university management to build strong connections with alumni and stakeholders, and to continuously organize programs that create synergy between both sides.

“It is hoped that alumni will contribute back towards the excellence of UMS, which we all cherish,” he added.

His speech was read by UMS Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Associate Prof. Dr. Raman Noordin.

The celebration featured a unique open-concept approach with the involvement of future alumni and strategic partners of the UMS Alumni Centre.

The event, organized in collaboration with the UMS Alumni Association and Alumni Chapter of Faculties/Academics, was attended by over 1,500 participants, including UMS staff, alumni, and future alumni.

The UMS Alumni Centre also distributed duit raya (Eid money) to 25 residents of the Rumah Anak Kesayangan Sabah as part of the celebration.

Also present at the event were Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Qualifications Agency, Prof. Datuk Mohamad Shatar Sabran; UMS Board of Directors members Datuk Aliasgar Basri and Samasuddin Yusop; as well as UMS senior officials.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) advanced its open science agenda during a recent seminar at Tampere University in Finland.

UMS delegation led by Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation), Prof. Ir. Dr. Rosalam Sarbatly, shared UMS journey in open science adoption, focusing on research data sharing and the related challenges.

Topics covered included open science policy, infrastructure, educational courses, and Open Science Shop 2.0.

Rosalam in a statement noted that, in Malaysia, particularly in the biodiversity-rich state of Sabah, open science is becoming increasingly vital for sustainable development.

“Making scientific research and data freely accessible fosters collaboration to preserve Sabah's unique ecosystems and promotes sustainable agriculture.

“This open approach encourages innovation by allowing researchers to develop solutions tailored to Malaysia’s environmental needs.

“Moreover, open science empowers policymakers to make informed decisions with current data, supporting effective strategies,” he said.

He added that, open science advocates Malaysia to push for robust policies that support data sharing while maintaining data integrity and privacy.

“The seminar, with participants from Finland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, India, and Malaysia, allowed UMS to outline its policies encouraging open science, covering intellectual property rights, copyright, and plagiarism prevention.

“Despite these policies, UMS recognizes the need for a stronger framework to ensure secure research data sharing,” said Rosalam.

Meanwhile, UMS Chief Digital Officer, Prof. Dr. Awang Asri Ag. Ibrahim, highlighted the significance of open science in fostering innovation and collaboration.

“UMS engaged with partner universities at the seminar, exploring best practices and policy frameworks for secure data sharing, addressing the gap between existing policies and their practical implementation.

“UMS's commitment to open science is evident through its active leadership in the seminar.

“While challenges remain, UMS is dedicated to advancing open science in the Asian region. Insights from the seminar will guide UMS's efforts to create a secure and collaborative research environment,” said Awang Asri.

The seminar also featured Dr. Farashazillah Yahya, the Director of the Data and Information Management Centre at UMS, further demonstrating UMS's commitment to open science and secure data sharing, which such involvement underscores the university's readiness to lead in this evolving field.