UMS Researchers Feted At Luncheon

Cetak
Majlis ppiTUESDAY, 04 JUNESome 20 Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) researchers were feted to a luncheon today held at the Café D’Sireh, Chancellery building, UMS.

The function which was organised by the Research and Innovation Centre (PPI) among others was aimed at recognising researchers who had made a name for UMS at the Malaysia Technology Expo (MTE) 2013 and International Invention, Innovation & Technology Exhibition (ITEX) 2013. The function which was also covered by the electronic and print media was attended by the Vice-Chancellor of UMS, Prof Datuk Dr. Mohd. Harun Abdullah and the Director of PPI, Prof. Dr. Felix Tongkul.

Earlier in his speech, Datuk Dr. Harun said the achievements displayed by our researchers were in line with the Strategic Plan 2013-2017 launched by UMS recently with the theme ‘Sustaining Excellence Towards International Prominence’. He said, there were seven UMS-KRA which were inserted into the Strategic Plan where one focussed on research and innovation.

It was found under UMS-KRA 2: to increase excellence in Research and Innovation. One of the targets under the UMS-KRA 2 was 50% increase in the number of awards gained in exhibitions and competitions either at national or international levels.

“Because of that, exhibitions such as these are very important in helping us realise this UMS-KRA 2 besides positioning UMS at international arena. This criteria is also included in the MyRA evaluation: Malaysia Research Assessment which is the priority for the university to achieve five star rating by the Higher Education Ministry,” he urged.

He added, research were done not only to gain awards but should also be commercialised after achieving various awards.

“Efforts and energy should be mobilised by all in UMS so that the university will not be left behind in commercialising innovation products. This is in line with the needs for the university to generate income through fees, licences, royalties and the like,” Datuk Dr. Harun further added.

At the ITEX 2013, UMS gained 13 awards which was six gold, seven silver and a certificate. Whilst at the MTE 2013, UMS obtained three gold, one silver, nine bronze and a certificate. Besides that, one special award ‘Women Inventor of the Year’ was given to a researcher from the School of Arts Studies (SPS), Jinky Jane C. Simeon through her innovation entitled U9 Xylophone.

By: Salbinous Saribun
Photo: Suzeannywatie Gasinin
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