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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.

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Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) continues its commitment to raising awareness about HIV and AIDS by hosting the World AIDS Day 2024 Celebration at UMS. Organized by the Department of Family Medicine, UMS Hospital (HUMS), the event carried the theme “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right!”

UMS Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr. Kasim Hj. Mansor, emphasized that this year’s theme highlights individuals' rights to access quality healthcare and accurate information regarding HIV and AIDS prevention.

“The theme serves as a reminder that every person has the right to live without discrimination, with the necessary support to lead a healthy and stigma-free life.

“This celebration strengthens our shared commitment to combating HIV/AIDS and ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, has equal opportunities to safeguard their health.

“According to the 2023 Malaysian Ministry of Health report, university students constitute a significant portion of the demographic at risk of contracting HIV.

“Hence, today’s program focusing on education and awareness of HIV prevention is a crucial annual initiative to ensure the UMS community is well-informed. This supports government efforts to reduce HIV transmission risks within the community,” he stated during the program's officiation.

His speech was delivered by the Director of HUMS, Associate Professor Dr. Malehah Datuk Mohd Noh, during the event held at UMS Postgraduate Auditorium.

Professor Kasim also stressed that such programs not only disseminate information on HIV prevention but also foster a more positive and responsible attitude among the UMS community toward personal and communal health.

“I urge the public to continuously support initiatives like this to ensure awareness programs have a positive impact, especially in the context of community health,” he added.

The World AIDS Day 2024 Celebration at UMS garnered support from various organizations, including the UMS Student Representative Council (MPP), Sabah AIDS Awareness Group Association (SAGA), Sabah AIDS Support Services (KASIH), Speciality Programme for Alcohol and Drug Abuse (SPADA), the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), and the Blood Bank of Sabah Women and Children Hospital.

The event also saw the attendance of Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Nazri Mohd Daud, Head of the Department of Family Medicine, HUMS.

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Membrane technology is a scientific innovation with the potential to address a wide range of human challenges across multiple sectors.

According to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Professor Ir. Dr. Rosalam Hj. Sarbatly, the technology has seen significant advancements since the 1990s due to urgent demands for energy efficiency and solutions to the global water crisis.

“Membrane technology only gained prominence in the early 1990s when we faced numerous water crises and aimed for greater energy savings.

“Technologies like forward osmosis enable food processing without compromising nutrients, while membrane distillation offers low-energy solutions for producing clean water.

“In Sabah, this technology is particularly relevant for remote communities, especially on islands struggling with access to clean water,” he stated during a media interview following his inaugural lecture titled “Sustainability in Membrane Technology” at UMS.

Professor Rosalam added that membranes are also utilized in medical applications, such as dialysis technology, wound healing, and scaffold membranes for organ regeneration.

“We are exploring the use of membranes to develop replacement organs like livers and bones, employing biocompatible materials that reduce the risk of rejection by the body,” he explained.

He expressed hope that strategic collaborations among universities, industries, and government agencies could be strengthened to accelerate the adoption of membrane technology in Malaysia.

“I hope to see more advanced technologies utilizing membranes in areas such as water treatment in the future,” he concluded.

Earlier, UMS Vice-Chancellor Prof. Datuk Dr. Kasim Hj. Mansor, in his welcoming remarks, emphasized that inaugural lectures like these represent a significant academic tradition.

“This event serves as a platform to disseminate knowledge, expertise, and innovative discoveries while showcasing the academic excellence and thought leadership of our professors.

“It is also a form of recognition and appreciation for their contributions and ideas, which benefit the academic world, the nation, and society as a whole,” he noted.

Among the attendees were UMS Board Member Prof. Dr. Baba Musta, UMS Chief Librarian Md. Sazali Md. Salleh, and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering UMS, Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Abu Zahrim Yaser.

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The establishment of the Center for Economic Development and Policy (CEDP) at the Faculty of Business, Economics, and Accountancy (FBEA), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), signifies UMS’s commitment to driving impactful and meaningful research.

UMS Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Kasim Hj. Mansor, emphasized that CEDP is uniquely positioned to provide critical research input to enhance policymaking at both the state and national levels.

“This center must expand its partnerships with government agencies, industry players, and international institutions to create a robust ecosystem that drives impactful solutions for Sabah and Malaysia.

“I have high hopes for CEDP to become a catalyst for innovative thinking, collaborative research, and evidence-based policy development,” he said.

He conveyed these remarks during his speech at the Launch Ceremony of CEDP and the Seminar on Contemporary Economics held at Hotelab, FBEA.

The speech was delivered on his behalf by FBEA Dean, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Rahimie Abd. Karim.

Commenting on the organization of the economics seminar, Kasim stated that the initiative represents a convergence of ideas, efforts, and aspirations to address pressing economic challenges of the time.

“Sabah faces numerous economic challenges, including poverty and the need for sustainable economic growth.

“This is an opportunity to discuss emerging economic challenges, introduce new ideas, and foster collaborations that will help navigate the evolving economic landscape,” he remarked.

He added that the initiative also holds the potential to bridge the gap between research and actionable policies to tackle the issues discussed.

The event also featured a Panel Discussion involving two invited panelists: the Chief Executive of the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA), Datuk Seri Panglima Hashim Paijan, and the Deputy Director of the Sabah State Economic Planning Unit, Tseu Kei Yue.

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Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu, celebrated a night of innovation and discovery, strengthening its collaboration with Universiti of Malaysia Sabah (UMS) through the launch of Mushroom Culinary of Sabah, a recipe book showcasing the culinary and ecological significance of mushrooms, alongside the unveiling of Malaysia’s first bioluminescent mushroom display.

The evening commenced with the launch of Mushroom Culinary of Sabah, a collection of 33 exceptional recipes created by the resort’s seasoned culinary expert and Sous Chef, Chef Elroy Ernest. Drawing on his local heritage and deep appreciation for Sabah’s biodiversity and over 20 years of experience, Chef Elroy crafted recipes highlighting locally sourced mushrooms’ versatility, nutritional benefits, and cultural essence.

“This book exemplifies our Rooted in Nature ethos,” said Chef Elroy. “Our reserve serves as an extension of the Chef’s Garden, allowing us to cultivate ingredients sustainably and connect our guests with nature. From farm to table, these recipes celebrate Sabah’s rich culinary traditions and incredible natural resources.”

The event’s highlight was the unveiling of Rasa Ria Reserve After Dark: The Glow Experience.

This groundbreaking bioluminescent display was developed in collaboration with UMS and led by Associate Professor Dr Jaya Seelan A/L Sathiya Seelan and his team from the Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ITBC).

Located within the resort’s 64-acre Rasa Ria Reserve, the glowing mushroom installation offers guests an immersive experience blending science, art and nature.

“This partnership with Shangri-La Rasa Ria is a significant milestone for UMS,” said Dr Jaya.

“The glowing mushroom garden is not only a scientific achievement but also a celebration of Sabah’s unique biodiversity. It exemplifies what can be achieved when research and innovation are paired with a commitment to environmental sustainability.”

General Manager Fiona Hagan highlighted the broader impact of these initiatives. “Mushroom Culinary of Sabah and the Rasa Ria Reserve After Dark: The Glow Experience reflect our dedication to fostering biodiversity, sustainability and cultural appreciation,” she said. “These projects are integral to our ESG framework, promoting environmental stewardship and youth development while offering guests meaningful connections to Sabah’s natural wonders.”

Through initiatives like these, Shangri-La Rasa Ria continues to lead in sustainable tourism, offering guests transformative experiences that celebrate Sabah’s ecological and cultural heritage while supporting local communities and reducing environmental impact.

Present were UMS Vice Chancellor Prof. Datuk Dr Kasim Hj. Mansor and Professor Madya Dr Fiffy Hanisdah Saikim Director, Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (IBTP), UMS.

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