In the face of increasingly challenging global developments, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) aims to continue to be a driver of change through high-quality research, innovative teaching and contributions to society, said its Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor.

Prof Kasim said this is especially since this year marks the institution’s 30th anniversary, highlighting that the university has recorded many successes and achievements in the past three decades, despite starting from humble beginnings with only 205 students for its first intake in 1995.

He said in the context of academic excellence, UMS increased its position in the QS World University Rankings (Sustainability) 2025 to 792 from the 1001-1200 group, while for the QS Asia Rankings 2025, it has jumped to 243 compared to 271-280 in 2024.

Until now, a total of 185 of the university’s undergraduate and postgraduate programmes have been certified by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), while 17 others have received recognition from professional bodies and another 15 achieved international accreditation.

In 2023 and 2024, UMS researchers were listed in the top two percent of the world’s best scientists by global analytics company Elseiver, proving the institution’s contribution to global research as well as its reputation of a world-class university.

From 2012 to 2023, UMS also got 25 recognitions in various categories at the National Book Award, highlighting its focus on publications as a platform for documentation and disseminating knowledge while strengthening research credibility.

UMS graduates’ employability rate has also increased from 54.7 percent in 2014 to 98.5 percent in 2023, whereby the latter year also saw the university recording its highest number of PhD and Masters graduates with 97 and 131 respectively.

And with 169 active agreements covering 17 countries, UMS strengthens its international visibility through Memorandums of Understanding (MoU), Memorandums of Agreement (MoA) and Letters of Intent (LoI).

In addition, UMS has also developed 22 Living Labs to date, each with different focuses but the same aim of solving social, economic and environmental challenges in a practical and sustainable way.

“When UMS started its journey in 1994 with only 50 academic and administrative staff, it was their enthusiasm and perseverance that paved the way to pioneering a path that was once wilderness.

“After 30 years, the number of UMS staff is reaching 2,800 while Hospital UMS staff has 665, catering to close to 18,000 students including 648 foreign students, with 91,630 alumni worldwide.

“In this regard, I am calling on all UMS staff, from lecturers, administrators to students, to work together to elevate the name of our institution with dedicated and quality work.

“Let us unite to ensure that this university continues to progress, becoming a symbol of excellence, not only at the national level but also in the international arena,” he said.

Prof Kasim said this when delivering his inaugural lecture titled “Pearl in the Ocean of Knowledge: Navigating Excellent Aspirations” in conjunction with the UMS Pearl Jubilee celebrations at the campus here on Thursday.

Meanwhile, he also announced that special tuition rates will be given to the children of UMS staff furthering their studies at the university, as well as staff who wish to pursue theirs.

Prof Kasim said they also plan to provide health insurance to UMS retirees to reduce their medical burdens, through establishing a retirees association to take care of their welfare.

Also present was UMS board of directors’ chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan.

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Pulau Layang-Layang plays a vital role in today’s increasingly complex geopolitical era, particularly in the context of the South China Sea.

The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Datuk Seri Ir. Dr. Zaini Ujang, emphasized that this research not only symbolizes intellectual courage but also reflects the extraordinary dedication of researchers and their assistants in fulfilling a significant mandate for the nation.

“As researchers, you hold a significant responsibility to be catalysts of change.

“Let your research not only be an academic pursuit but also a contribution to shaping the future of our nation,” he stated during his speech at the Launch Ceremony of the Sovereignty Monument Replica and the Book on Pulau Layang-Layang, Malaysia.

Earlier, UMS Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Kasim Hj. Mansor, highlighted that this initiative represents a milestone achievement in research, further strengthening UMS's position at both national and international levels.

“Today’s event showcases UMS's capability to leverage research findings and translate them into tangible forms.

“This underscores UMS’s commitment to contributing its expertise and resources to Malaysia while reflecting the determination and spirit of the university community in supporting research agendas that can contribute to national development,” he added.

He also mentioned that the research conducted by the Small Islands Research Center (SIRC), Faculty of Science and Natural Resources, UMS, involved collaborations with other higher learning institutions such as Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

“This research encompasses various disciplines, including geopolitics, socioeconomics, biodiversity, and geomorphology, to support Malaysia’s sovereignty claims and identify sustainable development opportunities.

“The launch of the Sovereignty Monument Replica and the book Pulau Layang-Layang: Malaysia’s Gem in the South China Sea is a testament to UMS’s commitment to research excellence, advancing knowledge with far-reaching impacts on national issues, and nurturing future generations to appreciate national sovereignty,” he remarked.

The ceremony was attended by UMS Board Member Prof. Dr. Baba Musta, UMS Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Prof. Ir. Dr. Rosalam Sarbatly, SIRC Director Dr. Farrah Anis Adnan, and Project Leader Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd. Harun Abdullah.

For cancer survivor Shamsulmeza Shamsul, strong mental resilience and determination paid off as she graduated with first-class honours in Forestry Science (International Tropical Forestry) during the 36th Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) convocation.

Graduating with CGPA of 3.77 was a moment of triumph for Shamsulmeza. 

“I can’t describe the joy I felt. At first, I was told to defer my studies, but my mother gave me the strength to continue. I am so grateful to be here today,” she told reporters at Chancellory Hall, UMS.

When a vibrant 24-year-old from Tamparuli received her ovarian cancer diagnosis in August 2023, the news came as a shock. 

It was the middle of her fourth semester in International Tropical Forestry, and her academic future suddenly seemed uncertain. 

But instead of succumbing to despair, Shamsulmeza found strength in her family, faith, and an unyielding determination to succeed.

“I was a bit shocked at first,” Shamsulmeza said. “But I told myself, I can do this. My mental strength had to be strong.”

The side effects of chemotherapy were grueling, but Shamsulmeza developed a system that allowed her to navigate both her health challenges and academic responsibilities. 

“During chemo, I would rest. But when exams were near, I pushed myself as hard as I could. It wasn’t easy — the side effects were strong — but I focused on what I could control.” Shamsulmeza said.

Her approach to studying shifted dramatically. Unable to attend physical classes, she relied on notes from her lecturers and adapted her study methods to her condition. 

“I didn’t push myself too hard. I did what I could and left the rest to Allah,” she says, her voice filled with quiet resolve.

Shamsulmeza credits her parents, particularly her mother, as her main source of motivation. 

She said her mother was by her side throughout her hospital stay, ensuring she had the care and encouragement she needed.

“My mother was my rock,” Shamsulmeza said. “When I was in the hospital for a month, she never left me. Even when I couldn’t finish my thesis in time, she motivated me to push forward.” 

Remarkably, Shamsulmeza completed her thesis — normally a two-semester project — in just one week. “She would take me out, even at midnight, to places where I could focus. Her support was everything,” she said.

Despite her struggles, Shamsulmeza became an inspiration to others, particularly her juniors. She generously shared her meticulously crafted study notes and offered words of encouragement.

“They would reach out to me, and I was happy to help,” she said. “My advice to them is simple: set clear goals, stay disciplined, and be consistent. Without discipline, you can’t reach your goals.”

As the youngest of four siblings, Shamsulmeza’s achievements have brought immense pride to her family. 

“They’ve all been so supportive. I couldn’t have done it without them,” she said.

Although Shamsulmeza’s cancer journey isn’t entirely over — she undergoes hospital reviews every three months — her vision for the future remains clear. 

She plans to pursue a master’s degree in forestry sciences, with the ultimate goal of becoming a researcher specialising in entomology.

“My dream is to contribute to the field of insect research,” she said. “This journey has taught me to be strong and never give up on what truly matters.”

Shamsulmeza’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of family, and the strength of the human spirit. 

 “Never let challenges define you,” Syamsul said. “With faith, discipline, and support, you can achieve anything.”

Two 23-year-old identical twins were among the fresh graduates of the Faculty of Business, Economics, and Accountancy (FPEP) at Universiti Malaysia Sabah's (UMS) 26th convocation ceremony here.

Jaynie Jamirin and Janet, hailing from Tongod, were from the same faculty but pursued different majors.

"We rarely saw each other except on weekends. Our relationship was like cats and dogs, but we have always supported each other," said Jaynie, the elder sister.

Despite a physical disability resulting from a car accident, Jaynie's determination to complete her studies never wavered. The twins plan to take different career paths.

"I plan to pursue a master's degree, while Janet aims to start a photo booth studio in our hometown. Our dream is not just to sustain ourselves but to make a positive impact on the community," Jaynie said.

Jaynie, who graduated with a bachelor's degree in economics (Human Resource Economics), received her scroll during the third session of the convocation, presented by UMS Pro-Chancellor Tan Sri Azman Hashim.

Meanwhile, Janet, a bachelor's degree graduate in Business (Entrepreneurship), was conferred her degree during the fourth session by UMS Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor.