TUESDAY, 5 APRIL – A total of 60 students of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) recently participated in the ‘Showcase of Talent’ organised by the Federal Youth and Sports Department Sabah (JBS) in collaboration with UMS Rakan Muda Secretariat Sabah.

The students had the opportunity to participate in two workshops; Makeup and Basic Photography that was also participated by ten students from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sabah branch.

The one-day programme conducted by the two speakers namely professional make-up artist, Douglas David and photographer from Jari-jari Halus Fotografi, Mohd Daniel Ramadhan Abdullah.

The certificates were presented by Head of the Federal JBS Sabah Rakan Muda Development Division, Hasmah Ajem.

“This short-term workshop enabled IPT youths to recognise and understand the basics of certain skills besides fostering the spirit of teamwork by sharing useful knowledge with each other,” he said during the closing ceremony of the programme.

Hasmah also thanked the Student Affairs Department UMS in helping with the Showcase in Talent programme.

Also present were the Federal JBS Rakan Muda Development Officer, Jovanna Juanis and Khazarudin Kahar. – (fl)

Source: Norhana Nordin, HEPA

Photographer: JBS

Deputy Dean (Academic and International) FSSA, Associate Professor Dr. Abdullah Bade said this programme among others aimed to provide an opportunity to prospective students to learn more about the programmes offered at FSSA, fostering interest in forestry that had great potential whether in the industry or as a career.

“The programme selected some schools such as Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Muhibbah Sandakan, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agaseh Lahad Datu and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Kuhara Tawau as the location.

“It is hoped that this approach would stir the students’ interest to continue their studies under the programmes offered by the faculty, particularly for the coming student intake in September 2016/2017,” he said.

Meanwhile, Head of Science and Mathematics, Pre-University of SMK Muhibbah Sandakan, Shim Lhi Shwo suggested such programmes be intensified not only by UMS but also other higher learning institutions, in future.

“The briefings given were very meaningful and included a discussion on the importance of science subjects, the criteria for undergraduate programmes application, student activities, career prospects and facilities offered by UMS.

This would give a clearer overall picture and study options that could be selected by students at the next level,” he said.

Other lecturers who shared during the talk were Associate Professor Dr. Mahmud Sudin, Dr. Wilson Wong and Musri Ismenyah representing the International Tropical Forestry Programme, Nature Parks and Recreation Programme, Forest Plantation and Forestry, and Wood Technology and Industry offered by the Forestry Complex, FSSA. – (fl)

Source: Kenny Uwai, FSSA

MONDAY, 4 APRIL – Lectures at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) will be suspended if the level of the Air Pollution Index (API) kept increasing, said the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr. Mohd Harun Abdullah.

He said, the university will take this drastic step if the air quality continues to deteriorate, to ensure the safety and health of its campus community, especially amongst students.

“The university takes the current haze situation seriously and will continue monitoring from time to time while, keeping abreast with the latest API level issued by the Department of Environment,” he said in a statement today.

Datuk Harun said that as an initial step, UMS would distribute free masks to students.

According to him, the mask could be obtained through all residential colleges and the Student Affairs Department in an effort to help students filter out from inhaling the contaminated air molecules that could be harmful to their health.

Datuk Harun also advised all campus community to reduce any outdoor activity until the level of air quality improved.

“At the same time, I would like to remind all staff and students to always drink lots of water,” he added.

Until 1.30 this afternoon, the Department of Environment recorded an API reading of 68 in Kota Kinabalu.

API between 0 to 50 is considered good, 51 to 100 (moderate), 101 to 200 (unhealthy), 201 to 300 (very unhealthy) and 301 and above (hazardous).

On Sunday, the State Education Department announced the closure of 77 schools in and around Beaufort, Kuala Penyu and Papar due to the worsening haze.

Higher Education Minister, Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh in a national newspaper reported on 19 March announced that the Vice-Chancellor in the concept of autonomy could make their own decision without referring to the ministry. – SS (fl)

FRIDAY, 01 APRIL – The Wajadiri Silat Cekak Pusaka Ustaz Hanafi (WSCPUH) of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) is inviting UMS campus community especially students to a talk scheduled to be held tonight at the Main Lecture Hall complex 2 (DKP 25).

According to a spokesman of the group, Mohd Syaffezh Edham bin Ahmed who is also the President, the talk or ‘Majlis Penerangan’ will start at 7.30 pm.

 “We are also conducting our recruitment exercise tonight for those who are interested to join us,” he said, disclosing that the present members stood at almost 100.

Wajadiri Silat Cekak Pusaka Ustaz Hanafi UMS started in 1994, the year that UMS was established.

Among the highlights of the club was when they actively took part in the national level Silat Festival Championship.  They also took part in the Guinness World Record in the ‘Largest Silat Lesson’ on 29 August 2015. – FL

Photo: WSCPUH