The Disaster Research Centre (NDRC) of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) officially launched the Makmal Hidup Bencana Alam Melangkap (MaHBAM) in Kota Belud, Sabah, during the recent Bengkel Penubuhan Task Force Bencana Alam Melangkap (TFBAM) workshop.

The establishment of MaHBAM aims to achieve five main objectives, which is to build disaster-resilient communities through strengthening the capacity of Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM); empower community resilience and preparedness through disaster education and training; conduct research and disaster monitoring in Melangkap; implement science and technology in disaster risk reduction; and establish close collaboration with the community and stakeholders in disaster management.

At the official launch of MaHBAM, UMS Faculty of Science and Natural Resources (FSSA) Dean, Professor Dr. Jualang Azlan Gansau, emphasized that the lab would assist NDRC researchers in transferring disaster management knowledge to local communities.

“The lab will also channel the expertise of NDRC for conducting research in this area,” he said. “We hope this initiative will help the community adapt to disasters by finding the best solutions to save lives in case of emergencies.”

The launch was witnessed by Kota Belud Assistant District Officer, Winnie Anggon, and NDRC UMS Director, Associate Professor Ts. Gs. Dr. Carolyn M. Payus.

Dr. Carolyn explained that the establishment of MaHBAM was in response to a request from the Melangkap Baru village community, represented by the village head, Somboton Gunsalahon.

“The community hopes that NDRC UMS, along with relevant agencies, can assist them in disaster management efforts in the Melangkap area,” she said.

MaHBAM is the first living lab in UMS and the second in Sabah, following the Resilience Living Lab Kundasang launched by the Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Centre, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, last year, which focuses on community-driven disaster risk management.

Additionally, NDRC UMS has established the Task Force Bencana Alam Melangkap as part of MaHBAM’s activities. Dr. Carolyn noted that this task force is the first of its kind in Sabah, proposed by the community in collaboration with the Kota Belud Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) and the Civil Defence Force (APM).

The "Pameran Petak Pertama" exhibition, organized in collaboration with the Academy of Arts and Creative Technology (ASTiF) Alumni of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and the Azman Hashim Gallery UMS (GAH-UMS), served as a platform for emerging artists to take their first steps into Malaysia's art industry.

The exhibition features works by 21 alumni from the UH621001 Visual Arts Technology cohort of 2020/2021 from ASTiF UMS, showcasing 46 paintings and sculptures. These works are on display and available for purchase at the Kalimaran and Kaamatan exhibition halls of GAH-UMS, from May 4 to June 14.

UMS Vice Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Kasim Hj Mansor, highlighted the involvement of ASTiF alumni in this exhibition as evidence of their ongoing commitment to their alma mater, even after graduation, fostering strong collaborations.

“The collaboration through this exhibition benefits both the participants and GAH-UMS. Appreciation should also be given to the ASTiF lecturers who have trained and produced talented graduates in the country’s visual arts field,” he said.

The exhibition was officiated by Malaysian Visual Arts Consultant and Founder of Pantau Iraga Art Space, Awang Damit Ahmad, at the Sekafi Auditorium, GAH-UMS. Prof. Madya Dr. Mohammad Puad Bebit, Director of GAH-UMS, delivered the Vice Chancellor’s speech.

In his speech, Awang Damit encouraged young artists to continue their journey in the arts, even as the art industry undergoes changes due to globalization and urbanization.

“Malaysia’s younger generation of artists must keep moving forward and act as catalysts for future generations of artists,” he said.

He also emphasized the importance of institutions like GAH-UMS in providing opportunities for emerging artists to grow, create, and explore new possibilities in the field.

Following the opening, Awang Damit spent time with the artists in a discussion session titled “Masih Ada Ruang” (There is Still Space), where they discussed the current landscape of Malaysian art.

Also present at the event were UMS Chief Librarian, Md. Sazali Md. Salleh; Exhibition Organizing Director, Irham Zulhilmi Mohd. Johan; local artists; and artists from Brunei Darussalam.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) recently hosted the Majlis Alumni Universiti Awam (MAlumni) 2024 Strategic Workshop, welcoming alumni representatives from public universities across Malaysia.

Associate Prof. Dr. Raman Noordin, UMS Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) and Chairman of the Malaysian Public Universities Alumni Council (MAlumni), shared that the workshop focused on discussions and strategies to strengthen the roles and functions of MAlumni at public universities in Malaysia.

He added that the workshop also reviewed upcoming programs for this year, including the Alumni Awards (MAL23).

“This two-day strategic workshop, held from April 25 to 26, was attended by directors and representatives of alumni centres from various universities,” he said.

Topics discussed included refining the core mission of MAlumni, revising the alumni management guidebook, and planning high-impact programs for this year and the next.

“MAlumni serves as a platform for all public university alumni centres to unite efforts in empowering alumni nationwide,” he emphasized.

The workshop, held at the UMS Chancellor's Building, was also attended by UMS Alumni Centre Director, Dr. Arif Kamisan Pusiran; the Deputy Director of the Student Affairs Division (BHEP), Ministry of Higher Education (KPT), Nurul Aida Mohd Nordin; and the Assistant Director of the KPT BHEP’s Service Management Unit, Idura Yaakup.

Around 1,500 visitors attended the ‘Raya! Rayakan Alumni’ Aidilfitri celebration organized by the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Alumni Centre at the Dataran Dewan Canselor.

According to UMS Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Kasim Mansor, the celebration aimed to foster a sense of family and strengthen unity among UMS alumni.

He added that the event also provided an opportunity for alumni to reconnect while enjoying various dishes prepared for the occasion.

“This is the perfect time during Aidilfitri to let go of all disagreements and conflicts, and strengthen cooperation among alumni, future alumni, and our alma mater,” he said.

The Alumni Centre has been given the mandate by the university management to build strong connections with alumni and stakeholders, and to continuously organize programs that create synergy between both sides.

“It is hoped that alumni will contribute back towards the excellence of UMS, which we all cherish,” he added.

His speech was read by UMS Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Associate Prof. Dr. Raman Noordin.

The celebration featured a unique open-concept approach with the involvement of future alumni and strategic partners of the UMS Alumni Centre.

The event, organized in collaboration with the UMS Alumni Association and Alumni Chapter of Faculties/Academics, was attended by over 1,500 participants, including UMS staff, alumni, and future alumni.

The UMS Alumni Centre also distributed duit raya (Eid money) to 25 residents of the Rumah Anak Kesayangan Sabah as part of the celebration.

Also present at the event were Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Qualifications Agency, Prof. Datuk Mohamad Shatar Sabran; UMS Board of Directors members Datuk Aliasgar Basri and Samasuddin Yusop; as well as UMS senior officials.