Latest news with #UniversityofMalaysiaSabah
New Straits Times
23-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Azeem finishes fourth in men's 100m at Universiade
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's fastest man, Azeem Fahmi, came close to the podium at the World University Games in Bochum, Germany yesterday. The Perakian, who holds the national record of 10.09 seconds, finished fourth in the men's 100m final after clocking 10.35. South African Joy Walaza Bayanda won the gold (10.16), Thailand's Puripol Boonson (10.22) bagged the silver and Japan's Hiroki Yanagita (10.23) took the bronze. Azeem, who is studying at Auburn University, United States, has a season best of 10.20, Sea Games champion Umar Osman clocked 47.10 to finish seventh in the men's 400m semi-finals and failed to qualify for the final. Sea Games bronze medallist Farrell Glenn Felix Jurus of University of Malaysia Sabah, recorded 2.08m to finish sixth in the men's high jump qualifying rounds. He finished overall 14th out of 23 participants.
Borneo Post
26-06-2025
- Science
- Borneo Post
UMS Sandakan students get hands-on with sun bear conservation
A group photo with Dr Wong Siew Te at the end of the programme. SANDAKAN (June 26): A group of students from the Faculty of Sustainable Agriculture, University of Malaysia Sabah (UMS) recently spent their morning contributing to wildlife conservation efforts by volunteering at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) in Sandakan. The initiative, titled Hands for Paws, was organised by the Faculty of Sustainable Agriculture Students' Association. It brought together 19 undergraduate students from various Agricultural Science majors, along with their accompanying lecturer, Dr Sharif Azmi Abdurahman. Throughout the half-day programme, the students were involved in a series of conservation activities under the guidance of Boniface Joss, Bear Care Coordinator, and Kelson Kuangon, Bear Keeper at BSBCC. These included cleaning sun bear enclosures, carrying out fence maintenance, and enhancing the natural surroundings of the centre. They also planted native tree saplings such as Belian, Kapur Paji and Laran Putih, which were contributed by the Sabah Forestry Department. In a more creative and engaging task, the students designed and prepared enrichment items for the bears, such as puzzle logs filled with hidden treats. These items stimulate natural behaviours like foraging and exploring, while also supporting the bears' mental well-being. After placing them inside the enclosures, the students observed the bears' responses from the observation platform. 'Organising Hands for Paws has been an eye-opening journey,' said Jeff Winter Joseph, the programme director. 'It gave us firsthand insight into conservation work and reminded us how even small efforts can contribute to something much larger. We hope this initiative inspires more students to get involved in volunteerism and conservation.' He added that the experience taught them not only about wildlife care, but also about teamwork, leadership, and the importance of doing something meaningful beyond academic life. A highlight of the visit was a special session with Dr Wong Siew Te, Chief Executive Officer and founder of BSBCC, who praised the group for their efforts. 'I deeply thank the students from UMS Sandakan for their contributions today. Everyone did a great job. Even though it was just for a few hours, sikit-sikit lama-lama jadi bukit. What matters most is the spirit and commitment from the students,' said Dr Wong, who has worked with sun bears for over 27 years. He also reminded the students that the sun bear is the world's least-known bear species. He stressed the importance of education, awareness, and youth involvement in ensuring their survival. Dr Wong welcomed the opportunity for more collaborations between students and the centre in the future. The programme left a lasting impact on the students, many of whom were visiting BSBCC for the first time. They described the experience as unforgettable, particularly the rare opportunity to enter the sun bear enclosures, which are usually off-limits to the public. Several shared how working alongside BSBCC staff gave them a deeper understanding of the vital conservation work carried out at the centre. One student summed up the experience by saying, 'It's one thing to learn about conservation in class. But seeing it up close, getting your hands dirty and being a part of it is something we'll carry with us long after we graduate.' The students left the centre not only with muddy boots and tired arms, but also with a renewed appreciation for environmental efforts and a stronger motivation to take part in future community and volunteer initiatives. The student organisers aim to carry out similar efforts in the near future, continuing the same spirit of service, learning, and environmental engagement.
