The Natural Disaster Research Centre, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) aims to further strengthen its cooperation with the Sabah State Government in disaster management, particularly within the state.

NDRC Director, Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Carolyn M. Payus, stated that this collaboration for the sharing of information, research and services to assist state government agencies in managing and handling natural disasters.

“Through this ongoing cooperation, NDRC can serve as a meeting point for all needs related to natural disaster management in this state.

“This includes research, expert services, and consultations related to natural disasters, both within and outside Sabah,” she said.

She made this statement during a courtesy visit by NDRC UMS to the Office of Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor, at Menara Kinabalu recently.

During the visit, Carolyn informed that NDRC had shared the functions, roles, and several research projects conducted by the centre, including those in fields of earthquake, flood, coastal erosion, and the sharing of the Natural Disaster Database.

“Several critical issues were also discussed, such as the current natural disasters occurring in Sabah, and proposals for more centralised and integrated disaster management cooperation between the state government and NDRC UMS, particularly from the academic side in efforts to reduce the impact of disasters.

“The outcome of this meeting also received positive feedback from the Chief Minister himself, who welcomed the efforts undertaken by NDRC UMS, particularly in national disaster research and management,” she said.

She added that the Chief Minister also expressed hope that NDRC could collaborate with state disaster management through involvement in the Disaster Command Centre, which will be established with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA).

“This includes contributing expertise related to natural disaster management, such as Sabah State Disaster Management Department, under the Chief Minister’s Department.

“The Chief Minister also appreciated the contribution of research expertise from academic institutions like NDRC UMS, which is seen as crucial input in assisting decision-making in development aspect that are indirectly related to disaster management at the state level,” she stated.

Among the NDRC UMS delegates present during the courtesy visit were the Head of the Coastal and River Erosion Cluster, Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Ejria Saleh; the Head of the Earthquake Cluster, Ir. Ts. Dr. Noor Sheena Herayani Harith; the Head of the Flood Cluster, Dr. Janice Lynn Ayog; and NDRC Research Officer, Eldawaty Madran.

Also present were the Secretary of Home Affairs and Research, Datuk Ag. Shaminan Datuk Haji Ag. Sahari, and the Public Relations Secretary to the Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Effendi Mohamed Sunoh.

The water supply to Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) is now stable and able to meet the needs of the 20,000 staff and students at the campus, says Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor.

He said the state Water Department (JANS) had been able to supply the five million litres per day (MLD) required for campus residents based on the daily readings by the university's Development and Maintenance Department.

"The water supply from the department since January this year showed a stable and consistent increase averaging 5MLD that is sufficient for the campus," he said in a statement, adding that the water supply issue had been resolved.

The water shortage at UMS had been going on for several years.

As part efforts to reduce the water shortage at the campus, a tube well project was funded by the Higher Education Department and the Prime Minister's Office.

Prof Kasim said the project was completed and working properly.

"The tube well will be an alternative source if there is a disruption in water supply by JANS," he said, thanking the federal and state governments for their help

Kg. Malubang in Pitas is set to host an exciting new initiative in community-based tourism and marine conservation.

This is after a group of student and academician from the Faculty of Business, Economics, and Accountancy (FBEA), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), together with Sabah Parks (TTS) successfully organized The Community-Based Tourism Program with the communities of Kg. Malubang, Pitas recently.

According to FBEA Senior Lecturer, Dr. Mohamad Isa Abd Jalil, the project aims to empower the communities of Kg. Malubang and Kampung Berungus, which are located within the yellow zone of Tun Mustapha Marine Park, also known as the Community Use Zone (CUZ).

“These villages were chosen as pilot projects due to their strategic location within the designated zone, providing a significant opportunity to develop sustainable tourism and marine conservation strategies.

“The primary goal is to create a model that can be replicated in other marine protected areas,” he said in a statement in conjunction with the programme.

He added that, the involvement of FBEA is crucial to the success of this program.

“With the expertise in rural tourism, FBEA contributes the necessary knowledge and experience to strengthen the local economy.

“This collaboration not only enhances the relationship between the university and the community but also highlights the important role of educational institutions in community development,” he said.

He also noted that the program is designed to achieve several key objectives, among other is to leverage FBEA’s expertise to enhance the rural economy, as well as to encourage and empower the community's ability to engage in tourism activities.

“This programme also aims to raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation, particularly among the younger generation, and aspires to establish ongoing partnerships with stakeholders in tourism development within protected areas.

“This project is expected to promote responsible and sustainable tourism while empowering the local community to become leaders in conservation efforts and sustainable economic development.

“It demonstrates the commitment of UMS, particularly the FBEA to assisting marginalized communities through capacity-building programs,” he said.

He also hoped that the programme could serve as a model for similar projects in Tun Mustapha Marine Park and other marine protected areas, thus further strengthening conservation efforts and the development of coastal rural communities.

The four-day programmes involve active participation from the local community, including youths, women, and primary school students.

Seminar on Commercialisation of University Research Results: Postgraduate Role held at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Islamic Centre recently was able to create a platform where researchers and entrepreneurs get to share ideas and experiences as well as room for collaboration for mutual benefit.

The seminar organised along with Faculty of Business, Economics and Accountancy (FBEA), and Innovation and Commercialisation Management Centre (PPIP) not only involves discussion forum, but also opens opportunities to many creators which has successfully commercialised their product to showcase the results of their innovation to the participants.

 
According to statement from FBEA, other reasons the program was held is to foster a culture of innovation and commercialisation among postgraduate students.

“This seminar also aims to push collaboration and exchanging knowledge by creating a platform for researchers and entrepreneurs to share ideas and experiences, other than the chance to expand the work network by developing a stronger relationship between university and industry.

“Introducing new inventions to a wider audience is one of the main focuses of this seminar, including new innovation produced by students and university researchers.

 
“This effort also pushes innovation and business development by encouraging students to explore commercialisation opportunity and business development,” according to the statement.

Other focus of the seminar was also to increase awareness upon commercialisation issues.

“By providing information and guidance on challenges and opportunities in commercialisation of research results, the seminar hopes to give benefits to university in fostering a culture of innovation and commercialisation among postgraduate students.

“The seminar expected to be an effective platform in pushing more cooperation between university and industry, as well as empowering postgraduate students to keep on inventing and innovate,” statement from FPEP UMS.

In conjunction with the seminar, among those present was Director of PPIP, Prof. Dr. Jidon @ Adrian Janaun; Chief Executive Officer Eternity Mode Sdn. Bhd, Gesiri Gambung; and representative from Sabah Creative Economy & Innovation Centre (SCENIC), Ulianti Sarjuni.