FRIDAY, 04 JULY – Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) is committed in conducting university-community collaboration in rural areas in its efforts to achieve the objectives of exploring, preserving and effectively gain knowledge for the development of society and nation.

Recently, a programme called ‘ICT-Based Learning Object Development Project Through Natural Methods for Rural Primary Schools’ was conducted at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bundu Tuhan, Ranau.

The project involving 15 year two and three students from the Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) programme, Faculty of Psychology and Education (FPP) UMS were at the school for a week starting from 30 June.

According to the Dean of FPP, Prof. Dr. Ismail Ibrahim, the project which was sponsored by the Ministry of Education under the Research Acculturation Grant Scheme (RAGS) among others was aimed at examining the effectiveness of the learning object created for the teaching and learning of English language.

“The use of ICT-based learning objects involved various elements such as animation, music and graphics. This programme is to enrich the learning experience of English language among school children.

“I hope this programme will be beneficial to students and teachers of SK Bundu Tuhan in diversifying the techniques of teaching and learning English language,” he said when officiating at the closing ceremony of the project. His speech was read by FPP Deputy Dean of Student Affairs and Alumni, Dr. Suyansah Swanto.

Meanwhile, the Headmaster of SK Bundu Tuhan, Johnny Ghani explained that the programmes conducted at the school was seen to be effective in stimulating his pupils desire to learn and love the English language.

He said, the excitement radiated on the face of the pre-schools up to Year 3 pupils involved in the project clearly illustrated how comfortable they were being guided by UMS undergrads who were willing to devote their knowledge and experience of teaching for a week.

“Although the school lags in terms of infrastructure, but academically we are not much different compared to other schools. Such guidance can improve the academic level of the students of this school.

“The presence of lecturers and students of UMS here has inspired us to aspire for continued excellence,” he further added.

He added that SK Bundu Tuhan was always ready to give their cooperation to carry out any programme either with UMS or other educational institutions for the sake of education excellence of the children in that district. – MA (fl)


Photo: Johaidi Ismail


Media and Citra Division
Chancellery Department
 

WEDNESDAY, 02 JULY – Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) will soon ban the use of plastic bottles.

This was expressed by the Director of EcoCampus Management Centre, Dr. Awangku Hassanal Bahar bin Pengiran Bagul in an interview with reporters after the launch of an educational talk today.

He said it was an effort to realise UMS efforts towards becoming an EcoCampus university.

“Through the collaboration with cleaning companies in the campus, it was found that plastic mineral water bottles contributes as the third highest waste in the university after papers and plastic bags.

“Therefore, we will strive to reduce and eventually eliminate the use of this bottle and encourage the use of water bottle that can be refilled,” he added.

Dr. Hassanal also revealed that he had held a discussion with UMS Cooperative (Koperasi UMS) to sell refillable bottles at a price below the RM10.00 price tag besides selling mineral water bottles with the PET logo.

It was an effort to inculcate the practice of nature conservation, which is a responsibility of all UMS community setting an example to other communities of all levels.

“This means that plastic mineral water bottles will not be allowed into any activities organised,” he concluded. – SS (fl)



Media and Citra Division
Chancellery Department

WEDNESDAY, 02 JULY – EcoCampus Action Plan launched in 2013 outlined the needs towards awareness on the importance of wastes management in our goal to achieve EcoCampus University for Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). Thus, EcoCampus Management Centre had carried out several projects to realise these goals.

Today, EcoCampus Management Centre had organised an education talk on wastes management at Café D’Sireh, Chancellery Building UMS.

The educational talk saw two academicians from within and outside the country sharing the concept and initiatives of wastes management and its importance to campus life and humankind.

Researchers from Hokkaido University, Japan, Dr. Nobuyuki Tsuji in his talk explained his involvement in developing and improving wastes management for the city of Furano in Hokkaido, Japan.

He said there were 14 categories of wastes to be separated and each waste will be taken according to waste collection schedule.

“The 14 categories are plastic, PET bottles, kitchen wastes, cans, metal objects, empty bottles, solid fuel wastes, sanitation equipment, ashes, carcasses, batteries, newspapers, grass, electronics wastes and hard-to-process goods,” he explained.

Meanwhile, a lecturer from the Faculty of Engineering, Dr. Nurmin Bolong also talked on how wastes could be turned into another source.

Taking the example of FELDA Palm Industries, he said they had used complete wastes for their energy treatment plant to provide continued supply of energy.

“Empty fruit bunches from oil palm plantations could be a source of electricity and steam power for factories in FELDA,” he said.

The educational talk also had the Director of UMS EcoCampus Management Centre, Dr. Awangku Hassanal Bahar Pengiran Bagul launching a campaign against the use of plastic bottles. – MA (fl)


Media and Citra Division
Chancellery Department