THURSDAY, 26 JUNE – Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) is celebrating World Ocean Day and Coral Triangle Day this month to convey a clear message to the community on the importance of marine care.

Themed “Together we have the power to protect the ocean”, the celebration on World Ocean Day had been a yearly affair organised by Borneo Marine Research Institute (IPMB), and the celebration of the Coral Triangle Day is held for the first time as a sign of support to the goal of the Coral Triangle Initiatives – CTI) in creating awareness among the people on their role in keeping the marine ecosystems of fisheries and safety of food.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd Harun Abdullah said World Ocean Day was celebrated timely in creating awareness on the role of oceans as a supporter of global society. He said 71% of the earth’s surface was covered by ocean, which clearly showed that the ocean give a lot of contribution to the daily life of people.

“The ocean today faces enormous challenges including over-fishing, which affects the marine-life ecosystem in the sea, ocean predator removal, destruction of coral reefs, expansion of dead zones in the ocean, pollution and sea acidification.

“Therefore, innovative ideas are important in solving problems related to the ocean. We must joint hands to reduce the scientific gap and eliminate barriers to innovation in the quest for potential solutions,” he said at the opening ceremony of the celebration. His speech was read by his representative, Professor Dr. Shahril Yusof, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation.
 

He added, UMS researchers over the years had started these beneficial studies in marine science, develop human resources and foster cooperation with oceanographic institutions for the exchange of knowledge about this field.

“UMS always support the generation of new knowledge as well as the dissemination of it. For that, these days, IPMB’s new research boat will be launched to reflect our commitment in research and the pursuit of new knowledge related to the ocean,” he clarified.

The event also saw the launch of a brochure in conjunction with World Ocean Day, Points to Ponder and the new boat named “UMS Balaenoptera”, which was then taken around the islands surrounding Sepanggar. UMS World Ocean Day celebration started from 8 June and will continue for a month. -MA- (fl)



Media and Citra Division                                
Chancellery Department             

 

 

THURSDAY, 26 JUNE – Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) received a courtesy call from the Assemblyman of Padang Tengku, Kuala Lipis, Pahang, Dato’ Mustapa bin Long and his entourage.

His arrival was warmly welcomed by a member of the Board of Directors UMS, Datuk AG Buhtamam Ag Mahmun accompanied by the Head of Chancellery Department, No’man Datuk Ahmad at the Lobby of the Chancellery Building.

Dato’ Mustapa accompanied by his entourage of 50 people were then given a briefing by No’man.

When approached by Chancellery Media, Dato’ Mustapa remarked on the beauty and panoramic view of UMS.

“I have been to Sabah a number of times but this is the first I came to UMS bringing with me an entourage from Padang Tengku. In my opinion, this is the most beautiful university in Malaysia,” he said.

He also invited and made an offer to UMS to conduct studies and research in Padang Tengku which has about 500 caves.

Before visiting UMS, Dato’ Mustapa and his entourage made a trip to Kundasang and Ranau before taking a closer look at the cottage industry that they could adopt upon their return to Pahang.

The delegation also took a tour around UMS and made pit stops at the Medical Museum, Marine Museum and the Outdoor Development Centre (ODEC). – CD (fl)


Photo: Johaidi Ismail                                                                              


Media and Citra Division
Chancellery Department
 

THURSDAY, 26 JUNE – Former President of the Student Representatives Council (MPP) Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Mohd Juhar Harun was selected as the recipient of the National Core Award 2013 in Kuala Lumpur, recently.

Clad smartly in a Malay costume, Juhar received the award presented by the Prime Minister’s wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.

Besides Juhar, 36 other undergraduates from other Public and Private Higher Learning Institutions were present to receive the same award.

Earlier, Rosmah in her speech said that undergrads should be smart enough to process information acquired through the virtual world and not just trusting them without checking and doing their own research.

She said, during their studies, undergrads were taught to think critically and rationally apart from not only thinking logically but checking to ensure the validity of any information.

“I hope the methods are not only used at university level but also applied in your pursuit of knowledge using the internet nor reading materials in the social media and websites.

“If you act recklessly and help spread lies everywhere, you should remember that these acts will only destroy your future and will put our country at stake,” she said.

The annual award was introduced in 2009 as an aspirations to all graduates to be competent leaders in future. – SS (fl)


Media and Citra Division
Chancellery Department

WEDNESDAY, 25 JUNE – An alumni of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) made the university proud by emerging second runner-up at the recent National Level 1Malaysia Public Speaking Competition (Non-Malay).

Richard Chai, a graduate of the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Heritage gave an impressive performance with his brilliant ideas and superb voice control that stole the judges’ hearts throughout the competition.

Held in Miri Sarawak, the RTM TV host who is also a lecturer with a private college in Kota Kinabalu was the choice of the audience, but had to settle for the third placing when the results were announced.

The competition, which was participated by 15 participants from each state and federal territory saw Kuala Lumpur emerging champion whilst Selangor took the second spot.

The winner received a trophy, certificate and RM3,000 while the second and third runner-ups received cash prize of RM2,000 and RM1,000, certificate and a trophy respectively. - SS (fl)

Media and Citra Division

Chancellery Department