FRIDAY, 2 SEPTEMBER – Deputy Minister of Education Malaysia, Datuk Mary Yap Kain Ching advised the new intake of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) to be fully focused on the task given or on their primary responsibility in acquiring knowledge.

She said, she believed that if students fulfill this responsibility, UMS would produce the best students that would be the pride of the people and the country especially Sabah, in four or five years time.

“Take advantage of every opportunity to gain knowledge and talents as best as possible so that you will become a successful person, because in the face of increasingly fierce global competition, a lot of knowledge and new skills need to be mastered before you step out into the working world.

“So, aim to be the best because in today’s competitive world, only the best will succeed,” she said at the meet-the-student session held at Dewan Canselor (Chancellor Hall).

She added, the Ministry of Higher Education is committed to elevate higher education, including through the Malaysia Education Blueprint (Higher Educaition), which was drafted in 2013.

“Cries of “Soaring Upwards” could raise the spirits of the students and staff at higher education in supporting efforts to realise the access to success, high international standard quality, equity for all students, solidarity and high efficiency in the implementation of education policies and programmes.

Also present were the Vice-Chancellor of UMS, Professor Datuk Dr. Mohd Harun Abdullah, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Associate Professor Dr. Ismail Ali. -(fl)

FRIDAY, 2 SEPTEMBER – New students of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) were reminded to comply with the acts, statutes, rules and regulations enforced by the university.

Vice-Chancellor of UMS, Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd Harun Abdullah said, this is not intended to restrict freedom in the university but to shape students who are disciplined, and do not pose a problem to any party.

“Steer clear from taking part in activities that could threaten the safety and harmony of this country.

“Do not be easily influenced or follow other elements whose agendas are vague, as this will only jeopardise your future.

“When dealing with such activities, your studies would be neglected and you will lose your focus, while your soul tries to rebel, the university’s management will not compromise such behaviour that violates rules and discipline,” he said.

He said this in his speech during the Pledge Taking Ceremony of new students for the 2016/2017 Academic Session at Dewan Canselor (Chancellor Hall).

He said, the Pledge Taking ceremony would hopefully assist students of UMS in determining their own objectives.

“Do not doubt your intention of stepping into the ivory tower.

‘When you set foot in UMS, there is only one goal, that is to acquire knowledge in order to achieve your ambition,” he stressed.

Also present at the ceremony was the Chief Minister of Sabah cum Pro-Chancellor of UMS, Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman. – (fl)

THURSDAY, 1 SEPTEMBER – Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) through its Psychology and Social Health Research Unit (UPPsiKS) recently organised a Workshop on Introduction and Practical Psychology with the students of Technical College Foundation  (KTYS).

Held at the Seminar Room 5, FPP, the workshop was aimed at creating awareness amongst the rural communities on the existence and services of UPPsiKS, and what it can offerto the public throughout Sabah.

According to UPPsiKS Head, Dr. Ferlis Bullare, besides attending lectures, the participants also had the opportunity to visit and see for themselves the facilities offered such as hypnotheraphy, Bio-Neuforfeedback, and personality testing tool available at UPPsiKS.

“It is hoped that this workshop would provide useful information to all the participants, thus able to increase their motivation,” he said.

The lectures given were on ‘Understanding happiness and personality , EQ and the Role of Hypnotheraphy, Introduction and Application of Neurofeedback presente dby Dr. Ferlis and two lecturers from FPP, Dr. Lailawati Madlan and Jasmine Adela Mutang.

The one-day workshop was attended by 50 students of KTYS. - (fl)

TUESDAY, 30 AUGUST – Various activities were held by various organisations in conjunction with the Independence Day 2016 celebrations.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Centre for Sustainable Minds (PML) once again successfully held the Independence Day celebration, which was participated by the children of PML, staff and the Parents Teachers Association (PTA).

The event officially opened by the Registrar of UMS, No’man Hj Ahmad, saw the ‘Jalur Gemilang’ and Sabah flag prominently flown with the chilren at PML singing patriotic songs.

In his speech, he praised PML in organising such programme that was deemed useful especially in fostering a sense of independence early in the children’s life.

“This not only cultivate in them a deep sense of patriotism, but also in creating a society that is loyal to the country and will appreciate the true meaning of freedom,” he said.

He added that the present generation also need to understand the concept of independence in a broader perspective that is not only free from being colonised but also free from any form of influence and negative elements.

“Being independent is meaningless if our thoughts are still being colonised.  We need to be independent from external influences, independent and free from negative influences,” he added.

At the event, the children at PML dressed according to the theme of independence.

Also held was an Educational Talk on Being Debt-free, presented by the Director of Putra & Associates, Etiqa Takaful Berhad, Haji Pangeran Putra Haji Pangeran Omar.

Also present were the Director of PML, Aidah Noordin, and Assistant Registrar cum Chairman of the Independence Day Celebrations 2015, Faddili Kasin. FF (fl)