TUESDAY, 22 DECEMBER – The university’s ‘Bakti Siswa’ Programme with the local community could help shape our students to be holistic in various fields.

According to the Deputy Minister of Higher Education Malaysia, Datuk Mary Yap Kain Ching, interactive programmes between university students and the community in particular the rural community not only promoted the spirit of volunteerism amongst students, but also establish a personal development through such activity.

“This programme would help prepare students to go down to grassroots level to have a first-hand experience of the life of the local community, instilling awareness amongst students on the impact of volunteerism on community and national development.

“This is in line with the Ministry of Higher Education efforts in producing holistic graduates through assessing all elements not in the form of academic but also inculcate values such as leadership, communication and problem-solving,” he said.

She was speaking to the media after the launching of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) ‘Perdana Bakti Siswa’ Programme 2015, at Kampung Bukit Quoin, Balung Tawau, recently.

She also hoped that UMS students who participated in the programme would gain knowledge and experience related to the culture and social life of the local villagers for their future benefit.

The two-day programme was participated by 100 UMS students and staff with various activities  done among them were cleaning and painting of surau and the religious school (SAR), repair works, medical check-up and blood donation, aerobics and football match including Sepak Takraw with the community.

Also present at the event were Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs and Alumni UMS, Associate Professor Dr. Ismai Ali; Director of UMS Alumni Centre, Mohd. Raffie Janau; UMS Sports Centre, Mohd. Asyraaf Fong and the Head of UMS Student Affairs Department, Azmi Jumat. – MA (fl)