THURSDAY, 15 MAY – “Changing our work culture begins with a sincere intention towards shaping a wise and mature thinking in evaluating and decision-making.”

So said the Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd. Harun Abdullah at the Excellent Service Award (APC) 2013 held today at the Main Lecture Hall 2.

He cited an example of the Japanese, where a husband who comes home early from work would get a scolding from his wife who perceived it as being lazy and not serious in his work thereby affecting the livelihood of the family’s income.

“Where do we put ourselves among the Japanese? This becomes a question on how to change the work culture of UMS staff,” Datuk Harun stressed.

The changes he said, should start from the Head of Department as an example to their workers in implementing positive attitude.

At the event, a total of 1,801 staff received awards consisting of 212 Excellent Service Award, 1,452 Meritorious Service Award, 101 Dedicated Service Award, 33 Excellent Service Special Award and 3 Retiree Appreciation Award. – MA (fl)

 
Photo: Ernest Berinus

 
Media and Citra Division
Chancellery Department
 

THURSDAY, 15 MAY – Approximately 80 internal anglers joined a fishing competition recently.

The contest which was opened to Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) undergrads was held at the Outdoor Development Centre (ODEC) shoreline was to give an opportunity to undergrads as a healthy recreational activity for them while appreciating the environment.

One of the participants, Muhammad Fakhrullah said; the surrounding ODEC area was rewarding to them as there were many varieties of preferred fish such as grouper, Barracuda, white fish and many other species.

The categories on contest were; Heaviest Fish Category, Biggest Fish Category and Most Fish Caught Category.

For the Biggest and Heaviest Fish Category, the winner was Mohd Ridwan with his catch weighing 1.2 kilogramme, second was Mohd Amri (0.8 kilogramme) and third place went to Mohd Ariff (0.5 kilogramme).

The winner for the Most Fish Caught Category was won by Mohd Ariff who successfully hauled in 21 fish. Second and third places went to Mohd Alif Chu (12 fish) and Mohd Amri (6 fish) respectively. – SS (fl)

 
Source: Dr. Mohamad Nizam Nazarudin

 
Media and Citra Division
Chancellery Department

WEDNESDAY, 14 MAY – The debate team from the National Defence University Malaysia (UPNM) topped the 16^th Royal Debate when they emerged champion in the Malay Language Main Category Debate defeating Universiti Tun Hussein Malaysia  (UTHM) in the finals held at the Recital Hall (Dewan Resital) UMS.

At the competition, both teams debated on ‘Patriotism is Heritage’, with UPNM being the government and UTHM opposition.

The win saw UPNM taking home a cash prize of RM5,000 plus trophy, whilst UTHM received a cash prize of RM3,000.

The success of UPNM debate team was boosted further when their third debater, Wan Azizul Wan Zulkifli crowned the Best Debater bringing home a cash prize of RM1,000.

Host UMS won the Malay Language Young Category debate when they beat International Islamic University Malaysia (UIAM) to emerge champion, winning a cash prize of RM4,000 plus trophy. UMS debater, Mohd. Faisal Abd. Raub was adjudged the best debater taking home a cash prizeof RM1,000.

UIAM further outshone other teams in the English Language Main Category when it beat Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) to take home a cash prize of RM5,000. UIAM debater, Syed Saddiq Syed Abd Rahman also emerged as the best debater for this category.

However, in the English Language Young Category, they lost to UiTM, who also took the best debater award in the said category through Jasmine Ho. UiTM team won a cash prize of RM4,000 and a trophy whilst UIAM received a cash prize of RM2,000.

The prizes were presented by the Head of State, Tun Datuk Seri Panglima (Dr.) Haji Juhar Datuk Haji Mahiruddin. Also present were UMS Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd. Harun Abdullah and Chairman of the Malaysian Universities Debating Council (MADUM), Prof. Datuk Mizan Hitam. – MA (fl)

 

Media and Citra Division
Chancellery Department
 

WEDNESDAY, 14 MAY – Debate Competition is a platform to uncover talents through the development of ideas besides being able to express ideas and arguments.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd. Harun Abdullah said it can indirectly empower creative thinking and uplift the credibility of students as undergrads who have superior knowledge literacy.

“This is because debaters need to master certain knowledge and knowledge that are related to current issues. In addition, they also need to deepen their skills in public speaking. The arguments put forward should be thoughtful and supported by authentic facts. This combination would persuade the audience to believe on the ideas presented,” he said when delivering his speech at the finals of the 16^th Royal Debate Competition. Also present was the Chairman of the Malaysian Universities Debating Council (MADUM), Prof. Datuk Mizan Hitam.

Datuk Dr. Harun added, as an undergrad the desire to keep on learning and studying should always be within us and to practice what we have learned for the benefit of community and ourselves.

He further advised the undergrads who had the debating skills to always use the skills sensibly without  touching on sensitive issues that could affect harmony and prosperity of the nation.

“As Malaysians, being educated, knowledgeable and logical, we should bear the responsibility entrusted and together maintain peace and harmony in our country. Indirectly, we also help to produce a generation who are excellent, bright and with credibility,” he added.

Officiating the event was the Head of State, Tun (Dr.) Haji Juhar Datuk Haji Mahiruddin cum Chancellor of UMS. – SS (fl)

 

Media and Citra Division
Chancellery Department