THURSDAY, 20 JUNE – UMS moves a step forward in its intention to realise the UMS EcoCampus Strategic Plan when it signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) relating to green technology with Centro-Ecotech, China, a company whose skill is in green technology.

UMS Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd. Harun Abdullah at the Memorandum of Understanding Signing Ceremony between UMS and Centro-Ecotech said this collaboration was in line with UMS EcoCampus intention which focuses on the environment-friendly concept in every aspect of life, either within or outside of the campus.

“This collaboration involves the setting up of a research centre in UMS which will conduct research and commercialisation activities relating to green technology.  It is hope that this MoU would have a positive impact on the environment-friendly technology development, besides strengthening the close cooperation between these two countries,” he said.

At the ceremony, UMS was represented by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd. Harun Abdullah who signed the MoU witnessed by No’Man Hj. Ahmad, Head of Chancellery Department; whilst Centro-Ecotech was represented by the Company Director Chen Bing Guang, and witnessed by Yan Ji-Rong, the Deputy Director of the Dongguan Science and Technology Department.  Also present were Prof. Dr. Shahril Bin Yusof; Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation, Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Rosalam Haji Sarbatly, Dean of the School of Engineering and Information Technology; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yang Soo Siang, Head of Programme of the Electric and Electronic Engineering Programme; and Daniel Kwok, Centro-Ecotech Marketing Director .

Besides the setting up of the research centre relating to green technology, UMS with the collaboration of Centro-Ecotech in building the Energy Efficient Cleanroom Control an Building Automation System, besides the exchange of expertise and technology and knowledge transfer between these two entities, including the marketing and commercialisation of end product according to international standards. – FL

By: Mohd. Affzanizam Mohd. Amin
Photo: Musaab Umair

WEDNESDAY, 19 JUNE – Following the recent 13^th General Election (GE) results which saw the Barisan Nasional (BN) forming the federal government, a knowledge discussion entitled ‘Post 5 May’ was organised which touch on BN’s victory from the academic view and its effect on the socio-economy of Sabah.

This discussion organised by the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Management and Professional Officers Association Non-Academic (PPUMS) in collaboration with the Dewan Bahasa magazine issued by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) held at the Postgraduate Auditorium of this EcoCampus University saw a heated discussion among its panellists comprising the Registrar, Datuk Abdullah Hj. Mohd Said; Deputy President of the Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia, Datuk Ag. Buhtamam Ag. Mahmun; and the country’s well-known political analysis, Dr. Jeniri Amir.

Taking into account the fact that Sabah and Sarawak are seen as the biggest contributors to BN’s victory, Datuk Ag. Buhtamam suggested that it was timely for the government to take major transformation towards a total change in the rural areas so that its community would enjoy a better living environment.

“The perception of setting aside rural development could be considered as immature politics because the mandate given by the community there to BN was clear.  This is the right time for the government to make changes by halting suggestions of developing the urban areas that are already seen to be well developed,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Jeniri Amir commented on a question by members of the floor that the new generation of today preferred the opposition party because they saw the inequality practiced in today’s politics and wanted change.

“What the Y generation want is good education, career opportunities, affordable housing and good governance in the government.  This generation is a generation that will be the government one day.  This is the time for the government to take into account the ideas of the young generation and to improve the present system,” he said.

Asked for his opinion on the subject of top posts offer for Sabahans and Sarawakians, Datuk Abdullah Mohd. Said opined that such offers were good.

“Executing our responsibilities in a mature fashion is very important as a leader and it should run parallel with solid work quality so that it would not go to a waste,” he said.

Earlier, UMS Vice-Chancellor Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd. Harun Abdullah in his opening speech said that the government chosen during the recent GE, either at the national or state level were the government that received the public’s mandate.

“The practice of democracy as the main thrust is a good mechanism ever created by human being.  The differences in opinion, ideas and outlook are not the cause of catastrophe or the source of division amongst us but if properly addressed and managed appropriately, it would bring blessings and will develop the country,” he urged.

The knowledge discussion which ran for two hours managed to bring together intellectuals and received good response from UMS staff, government agencies, NGOs, and students of Higher Learning Institutions around Kota Kinabalu. - FL

By: Faezah Mohamad Dun
Photo: Ramdan Nain

TUESDAY, 18 JUNE – The UMS La Salle Sevens Open Rugby Championship organised by S. M. La Salle with the cooperation of the Students Council (MPP) and second year students of Sports Science of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) recently received good response.

A total of 12 teams divided into four groups battled for the champion spot.  KK Sharks RFC team, Osca Development and Kudat Rugby were in Group A, while La Salle team, Warrior Lions and UMS Rafflesia were in Group B, Labuan RFC team, S. M. La Salle Esajadi and Sipitang were in Group C and OSCA team, Keningau and Warrior Tiger in Group D.

KK Sharks RFC team emerged champions in the UMS La Salle Sevens Cup Category when they sank OSCA team with an agregate of 19-10 and successfully added tries in half time.  For the Plate category, S. M. La Salle Esajadi team beat Sipitang with a total score of 24-7.  Meanwhile in the Bowl category, UMS Rafflesia team managed to beat Labuan RFC with a score of 17-12 during extra time.

In the Championship, the referees received advice and guidance from UMS Sports Science lecturer, Dr. Mohamad Nizam Nazarudin who is also an International Rugby Board Instructor (IRB) and performance evaluator.

The Director of UMS La Salle Sevens Rugby who is also the advisor for the S. M. La Salle rugby team, Nazri K. Hamid said that he was pleased with the smooth flow of the championship.

“I hope that this championship would be continued to produce more good players with high potential,” he added.

Meanwhile, S. M. La Salle Senior Assistant, Safri Jeffri when met said that the cooperation between S. M. La Salle and UMS in organising this event had formed a good rapport besides creating interests to others in promoting rugby in Sabah.  The prize-giving ceremony for all category was also done by him.  – FL

By: Sports Science Programme, SPPS

MONDAY, 17 JUNE – KKFM once again was in the spotlight among media and local arts enthusiasts through the Media and Celebrity Futsal held at the Yayasan Sabah Futsal Arena.  Now in its third year, this event saw 17 teams taking part in the programme organised by Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Campus Radio yesterday.

The programme was attended by the Vice-Chancellor of this EcoCampus University, Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd. Harun Abdullah who described the event as a good platform to enhance closer rapport with the community especially the media and local arts enthusiasts.

“This is a good programme, not only is it a healthy activity but it also enhance closer rapport amongst us; UMS always support such programme,” he said in his speech where he later presented prizes to the winners.  He also recorded his highest appreciation to all parties involved in the organising of the programme.

In the championship, Clown Team Sabah emerged champion for the male category after beating Pentarama team at the finals with a score of 2-0 through penalty kicks.  Pentarama had to be satisfied with second placing, while the third place went to New Sabah Times team.

For the female category, Clarice team emerged champion when they collected the highest points, followed by the team from the Sabah Cultural Board and KKFM FC third placing.  Also joining in the competition were Utusan Borneo, Frontman Company, BPK FC, Online FC besides other teams. – FL

Source: Ignasius Ryas, KKFM