Latest news with #UniversitiMalaysiaSabah
The Star
2 days ago
- Science
- The Star
Penampang teachers take part in special dyscalculia workshop
KOTA KINABALU: A specialised workshop focused on dyscalculia intervention was held here over the weekend to enhance teachers' capacity to support pupils with specific learning difficulties in mathematics. Funded by the Malaysian National Commission for Unesco, the two-day programme was organised by Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) through its Faculty of Business, Economics and Accounting, led by Dr Christina Wong Sing Yun. Fifteen remedial teachers from Penampang took part in the session, where they gained practical tools and knowledge to better identify and assist students struggling with dyscalculia, a learning difficulty that impacts number sense, basic arithmetic and mathematical reasoning. A key highlight of the workshop was a session led by Dr Fu Sai Hoe, a dyscalculia researcher and remedial officer with the Sandakan Education Office. He introduced the Numi (numeracy intervention) framework based on cognitive learning theory and guided teachers through the "I do-we do-you do" model under the "reconnecting learning" approach. "Children with dyscalculia are often overlooked in classrooms. This initiative empowers teachers to ensure that no learner is left behind," said Fu. Wong underscored the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in promoting inclusive education. "This workshop reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening foundational numeracy skills, especially for learners who require targeted intervention," she said, while expressing appreciation to the Malaysian National Commission for Unesco for their continued support.
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Record RM136 million for students: Chief Minister
Published on: Monday, July 21, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 21, 2025 Text Size: Mohd Arifin presents the Domestic Higher Education Student Contribution (SENTOSA) at the ceremony held at the Chancellor Hall, Universiti Malaysia Sabah on Sunday. Kota Kinabalu: The State Government continues to strengthen its commitment to higher education through various targeted initiatives, including the largest allocation to date — RM136 million — for the Sabah State Government Scholarships (BKNS) this year. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor said the significant increase from RM50 million in 2020 reflects the government's determination to ensure access to higher education is available to all Sabahans, regardless of their socio-economic background. Advertisement 'This is a long-term investment by the government to develop a high-quality and competitive human capital. 'We do not want Sabah's youth to be left behind in education simply due to financial constraints,' he said during presentation ceremony for Sabah-Based Higher Education Students Aid Contribution (Sentosa) at the Chancellor Hall, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), on Sunday. His speech was delivered by State Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin bin Datuk Mohd Arif. Hajiji said 4,170 students would benefit from BKNS sponsorships this year, in line with the goals of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development policy to strengthen the education sector as a pillar of the state's progress. Hajiji who is also UMS Pro-Chancellor said that this year alone, the State Government has allocated RM77.5 million to implement 13 education aid initiatives, benefiting schools, Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), students from institutions of higher learning, as well as Sabah student associations both locally and abroad. He added that key initiatives include the one-off IPT Registration Cash Aid (BUDI), the Computer Assistance Program (BAIK), the Sabah Malaysian Student Secretariat (SEMESTA), and the Sabah Student Flight Ticket Assistance (GRS-SUBFLY). He said Yayasan Sabah has also played a significant role in educational development, allocating RM67.17 million last year, which benefited 3,234 students. Through the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (Muis) RM92.4 million was disbursed over the past five years via the Zakat and Fitrah Division, helping more than 48,000 students across the State. To ensure continued education support, the Sabah State Education Fund (TPNS), introduced in June 2022, has benefited nearly 10,104 recipients with a total expenditure of RM15.8 million to date. He said the Sentosa assistance program, launched in March at the Gaya Campus of the Institute of Teacher Education (IPG), involves a RM6 million allocation and targets approximately 20,000 Bumiputera Sabah students within the State. 'This assistance aims to ease students' financial burden, especially for basic necessities or returning home. It also reflects the government's strong commitment to ensuring no student is left behind in their educational journey,' he said. At the event, Hajiji handed out a one-time cash aid of RM300 per student under the Sentosa program to over 600 students, including 319 from UMS and 323 from Mahsa College Sabah, who had not previously received the aid. 'I hope the students will fully utilize the assistance provided and continue striving for excellence in their respective fields, for the future of the state and the nation,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
2 days ago
- Science
- The Star
Sabah allocates RM136mil in scholarships this year
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has allocated RM136mil in scholarships this year, RM50mil more than in 2020, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. 'I hope students will make good use of whatever funding they receive from the government and work hard to achieve academic excellence and to excel in their respective fields of study,' he said in his speech, which Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohd Arifin Arif read. His speech was delivered during the aid distribution for local university students under the Sentosa initiative at a ceremony held at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) near here on Sunday (July 20). He said 4,170 students are expected to benefit from the Sabah State Government Scholarship (BKNS) this year. At the event, RM300 one-off aid was given to 600 students, including 319 from UMS and 323 from the Sabah Mahsa College. Hajiji, who is UMS pro-chancellor, said this year, the state government had allocated RM77.5mil to implement 13 education-related initiatives.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
Don't ignore patchy 'sunburn' after diving — it could be decompression sickness
KOTA KINABALU: Without proper knowledge, a diving guide would easily brush off a complaint by a scuba diver who has "sunburn" marks on her abdomen or thigh. Scuba diving medical adviser Lt Col (Dr) Eugene Tan Choon Li said that those patchy marks at unusual sites on the body could be a symptom known as "cutis marmorata", which is associated with decompression sickness. "During scuba diving, nitrogen moves from high pressure in the lungs into the blood. "When (a diver) swims up (to the surface) too fast, it does not give the nitrogen enough time to leave the blood and it can form 'bubbles' in the body," he said, adding such a condition could lead to decompression sickness that requires urgent medical attention. The Kota Kinabalu Regional Armed Forces internal medicine specialist also said that Sabah, being a diving destination, has three hyperbaric chambers — each here, in Sandakan and in Tawau — to treat decompression sickness. Other diving-related medical conditions such as barotrauma and oxygen toxicity, could happen at sea and within 24 hours after diving. Those conditions could be avoided with proper briefing from the diving operators and strict adherence to guidelines by certified scuba divers. Dr Tan was one of the speakers for the Safety Medical Talk 1.0 by the Sabah Dive Squad Club at Universiti Malaysia Sabah's Azman Hashim Gallery here. The event was also co-organised with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and the Borneo Marine Research Institute (BMRI). During the launching, Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry permanent secretary Datuk Josie Lai said safety-first culture should be nurtured in all activities. "The ocean is a treasure we are blessed with, but it also comes with responsibilities, especially when it comes to ensuring the safety and well-being of those who explore its depths. "Diving is not just a sport or hobby; it is a discipline that demands knowledge, preparation and, above all, respect for safety protocols. "Today's programme is an excellent initiative that brings together divers, professionals and enthusiasts to strengthen awareness on medical and safety issues related to diving," she said. The ministry's senior principal assistant secretary Mohd Hisham Ujang also presented that the state government is developing a general policy and standard operating procedures (SOP) to improve consistency across all tourism activities in the state. "This framework is not intended to replace existing SOPs, but it is aimed to set a baseline, ensure minimum safety standards and enable a faster, coordinated government response when needed. "This guideline aims to set a baseline, ensure minimum safety standards and enable a faster, coordinated government response when needed." Present was the club president Sim Fui. There were about 100 participants from the club, dive operators, medical doctors, university lecturers and students, marine professionals, officers from the maritime police, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Fire and Rescue Department, Navy and related government agencies.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Sabah allocates RM136 million for scholarships to boost human capital
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government has set aside RM136 million for the Sabah State Government Scholarship (BKNS) this year, marking its highest allocation to date. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor emphasised the state's dedication to nurturing competitive human capital through accessible higher education. The allocation has seen a significant increase from RM50 million in 2020, reflecting the state's resolve to support students from all socio-economic backgrounds. 'This is the government's long-term investment project to develop quality human capital that is competitive. We don't want young Sabahans to be left behind in education due to financial constraints,' Hajiji said. His speech was delivered by Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif during the Sabah university student aid presentation (SENTOSA) at Universiti Malaysia Sabah. A total of 4,170 students will benefit from the scholarship programme this year, aligning with the Sabah Maju Jaya initiative to strengthen education as a key driver of development. Beyond scholarships, the state has allocated RM77.5 million for 13 education initiatives, including one-off cash aid for registrations, computer purchase assistance, and flight fare support for Sabah students. Additionally, the Sabah State Education Fund, introduced in June 2022, has assisted 10,104 recipients with RM15.8 million in funding. - Bernama
