Latest news with #UMS
Barnama
2 days ago
- General
- Barnama
UMS Students Gain Experience As Volunteers At Borneo Flora Festival
LABUAN, July 27 (Bernama) -- About 100 Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) students are gaining hands-on experience as volunteers at the five-day Borneo Flora Festival (BFF) 2025, which began yesterday. First-year student Muhd Alif Hazim, 21, from the university's main campus, said he travelled to Labuan specifically to volunteer at the inaugural festival. 'This is the biggest event I've joined this year. I wanted to improve my communication skills and meet new people,' said the Computer Science (Data Science) student. He said the Borneo Tropical Flora and the Borneo Rainforest Jewel exhibitions drew strong interest from visitors on the first day, particularly for showcasing various floral species, including tulips, sunflowers, pohon pontianak, and orchids. Siti Aisyah Masyop, 23, a student from the Faculty of Computing and Informatics, said this was her first volunteer experience and an opportunity to gain new knowledge and interact with the public. The Selangor-born student said their tasks included giving directions and assisting visitors with taking photographs. 'Visitors have been friendly and we always ask if they need any help. With the large crowd, some may be unsure of where to go,' she said. Third-year student Anne Roza Robin, 22, from the Faculty of International Finance, said she had been involved in the festival since its initial flower-planting phase. Hailing from Keningau, she described the experience as meaningful, especially in preparing herself for the working world.
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
UMS launches Kampung Angkat MADANI programme in Rampayan Laut
Kasim officiating the groundbreaking ceremony for the Kampung Angkat MADANI Programme in Kampung Rampayan Laut. KOTA KINABALU (July 26): Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) has been entrusted by the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) to lead the Kampung Angkat MADANI initiative in Kampung Rampayan Laut, Sepanggar. It is a national community upliftment programme aims at improving the quality of life of villagers through sustainable and inclusive development. According to UMS Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor, five key physical development projects will be carried out under the coordination of the university's Centre for Community Sustainability Engagement (Pusat Kelestarian Libatsama Masyarakat, PKLM). 'One of the first projects will be the construction of a village gateway, which will serve as a proud new symbol and landmark, a reflection of the community's maritime spirit and aspirations,' he said. He added that an open hall will also be built, envisioned as a multipurpose space that will serve as the heartbeat of the village, a comfortable and well-organised venue for community gatherings, meetings, planning and celebrations. Prof Kasim was speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kampung Angkat MADANI programme held in the village. Also in the pipeline is the construction of a community centre, a space designed to nurture knowledge, skills and potential, particularly among the youth of Kampung Rampayan Laut. 'In addition, solar-powered streetlights will be installed across the village. This not only addresses lighting needs at night, but also promotes environmental sustainability and safety through the use of green technology,' he said. The fifth and final project is the building of a fishermen's jetty, a critical facility to support the local fishing community, making daily routines such as boat docking and fish landings more efficient and accessible. Prof Kasim noted that the projects, with a combined allocation of up to RM1 million, are being implemented in accordance with guidelines from the Ministry of Finance and KPT. 'This is a significant investment, and we at UMS are committed to ensuring that every ringgit spent brings meaningful returns to the community, in the form of quality infrastructure, impactful programmes, and long-term capacity building. 'These kinds of initiatives are essential to ensuring no village is left behind in the national development agenda. Kampung Rampayan Laut, in particular, holds great economic potential due to its strategic location near the city,' he said. Prof Kasim called on the local residents to fully support the initiative, care for the facilities provided, and seize the opportunities, especially in upcoming knowledge-sharing programmes and skill-based activities. At the ceremony, he also officiated the symbolic groundbreaking for the open hall, to be built on government-owned land in the village. Also present were UMS Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Prof Ir Dr Rosalam Sarbatly; UMS treasurer Datuk Badrul Hisham Ismail; UMS chief librarian Zawawi Tiyunin; UMS legal advisor Ag Suhaizam Bungso; Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Industry and Community Network) Prof ChM Ts Dr Coswald Stephen Sipaut @ Mohd Nasri; PKLM director Ts Dr Ag Sufiyan Abd Hamid; Kampung Rampayan Laut village head Amberen Aliamat and chairman of the Village Development and Security Committee, Amlan Jais.
Daily Express
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Preserving habitat around mantanani
Published on: Saturday, July 26, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jul 26, 2025 By: Hayati Dzulkifli Text Size: Dr Kasim (3rd left) and Johnny (2nd right) showing the signed MoU documents while two researchers and another look on in the event at UMS, recently. Kota Kinabalu: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and a Sabah-based JSK Mantanani Island Resorts Sdn. Bhd. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in marine biodiversity research, education in and around Mantanani Islands, off Kota Belud. The partnership marks a significant milestone in a journey that began in 2023, when the company took bold steps to address the ongoing poaching of nesting sea turtles on the island. Driven by concern over declining turtle numbers, the company sought technical guidance from UMS through its Borneo Marine Research Institute (IPMB) for an integrated conservation programme. Managing Director Datuk Johnny Wong Chen Yee said the company island resort is not just about providing a memorable escape but deeply rooted in sustainable tourism and responsible stewardship of the environment. He said Mantanani, a jewel in the crown of Sabah's Marine biodiversity is one of Malaysia's most breath-taking natural treasures. 'However, as we all know, these precious ecosystems are facing unprecedented challenges — Climate change, unsustainable practices and pollution. 'We must actively participate in their preservation and restoration. 'Through this partnership, JSK Mantanani Island Resort and UMS will embark on a collaborative journey focused on two critical areas: Marine Life and Habitat Restoration,' he said at the signing. Johnny represented JSK Mantanani Island Resort Sdn Bhd while UMS Vice Chancellor Prof. Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor for UMS at Chancellory building recently. Johnny said as Sabah continues to position itself as a global eco-tourism hub, such partnership is vital in ensuring marine biodiversity thrives in tandem with responsible development. The collaborative initiatives will encompass a range of vital activities, including: Seagrass restoration: Rejuvenating these crucial underwater meadows that serve as nurseries for countless species and act as significant carbon sinks. Sea turtle conservation: Protecting these magnificent creatures through monitoring nesting sites, rescuing injured turtles, and raising awareness about their plight. Coral reef rehabilitation: Working together to propagate and transplant corals, restoring the vibrant underwater gardens that are vital to marine life. Research and monitoring of marine biodiversity: Understanding the health of our marine ecosystems to inform effective conservation strategies. Community engagement: Empowering local communities with the knowledge and tools to become stewards of their own environment. Educational programs for their guests and the public: Raising awareness about the importance of marine conservation and inspiring action. 'We will soon launch a dedicated Wildlife Gallery at the resort, exhibiting educational specimens provided by the Sabah Wildlife Department. 'We are also proud to share that our turtle hatchery centre can hold up to 1,000 eggs – a vital step in protecting and increasing the local turtle population,' he said. Johnny said with support and advice from UMS marine scientists, his company obtained formal approval from the Sabah Wildlife Department to launch a turtle conservation initiative He said several JSK staff members were trained and appointed as Honorary Wildlife Rangers, enabling legal authorities to monitor beaches, relocate turtle nests, and manage the JSK Turtle Hatchery. 'This initiative bore fruit quickly, where two green turtle (Chelonia mydas) nests have been protected to date, achieving a hatching success rate of over 90 per cent. 'Protecting Mantanani's natural heritage is core to our values. With UMS as our scientific partner, we can ensure that our efforts are effective, sustainable, and backed by solid data,' he said. Prof. Datuk Dr Kasim said the partnership is more than conservation, it's about building a resilient, informed, and science-driven approach to marine stewardship. 'We're proud to support JSK in becoming a model for private sector-driven conservation,' 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
Daily Express
5 days ago
- Daily Express
Sabah first State to launch Nadi Ambassador Programme
Published on: Friday, July 25, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 25, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Kota Kinabalu: Sabah has become the first state selected to implement the Nadi Ambassador programme, aimed at promoting the benefits of the National Information Dissemination Centre (Nadi) Smart Services and advancing digital literacy, particularly among rural communities. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said 50 volunteers, comprising students from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), were selected to participate in the programme, which is being introduced for the first time by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), in collaboration with UMS and the Yayasan Sukarelawan Siswa. He said that the Nadi ambassadors will also assist MCMC in raising public awareness on cyber safety through the Safe Internet Campaign, by engaging with residents' associations and school students in their respective areas, to promote responsible and ethical internet use. 'Sabah was chosen, among other reasons, because during the Covid-19 pandemic, it was one of the states which faced significant internet infrastructure challenges. We have been working hard to address these issues, whether through the installation of towers, substations, or expanding campus WiFi coverage,' said Fahmi. 'Therefore, it is fitting for us to continue our efforts by strengthening digital literacy through the Nadi Ambassador programme,' he told reporters, after officiating the Sabah Nadi Ambassador programme at UMS, yesterday. Also present at the event were secretary-general of the Ministry of Communications, Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa; UMS vice-chancellor, Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor; and MCMC managing director, Abdul Karim Fakir Ali. Fahmi said that there are currently 131 Nadi centres across Sabah, and the selected ambassadors will undergo a two-day training session to support digital literacy efforts, and help extend the benefits of these centres to the wider community. He added that the student volunteers from UMS were drawn from various academic disciplines, with the selection process jointly carried out by MCMC and the university. Fahmi also expressed hope that the participation of UMS students in the programme would serve as a platform for them to provide input and suggestions for improving telecommunications services in Sabah. He said that the Nadi Ambassador initiative will eventually be expanded to universities nationwide, in collaboration with student representative councils. Meanwhile, the MCMC, in a statement, announced that selected volunteers who successfully passed the screening process will undergo a two-day Training of Trainers (TOT) workshop, beginning tomorrow, at UMS. During the workshop, participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of volunteerism, the objectives and functions of the Nadi, Nadi Smart Services modules, and the key components of the Safe Internet Campaign. Upon completion, they will be appointed as Nadi Ambassadors, tasked with delivering briefings to local communities, including primary and secondary school students, parents, teachers, and entrepreneurs, who participate in various programmes at Nadi centres. 'This approach is designed to encourage widespread community involvement across all age groups and backgrounds, fostering a better understanding of Nadi's role, and helping the public make full use of the services available. MCMC added that 25 Nadi centres have been identified and matched with the hometowns of the 50 selected UMS student volunteers, to ensure that the programme remains community-oriented and responsive to local needs. Meanwhile, MCMC has introduced the Nexus MCMC mobile application to help improve internet accessibility, particularly in areas with poor coverage. Fahmi said the app, available for both Android and Apple devices, allows users to conduct internet speed tests from anywhere. 'For Android users, the app includes an additional route survey feature that performs periodic tests as users move from one location to another,' he said. 'These tests connect to nearby telecommunication towers to help identify coverage issues in specific areas.' The data collected through Nexus will be a key reference point in developing solutions to enhance internet access, he said. Fahmi said the app relies on crowdsourced data, and the public is encouraged to download and use it to assist MCMC in identifying infrastructure needs in specific locations. 'We've also implemented a new network-sharing policy that allows telco companies to cooperate in certain areas,' he added. 'For example, if a location is only covered by providers A, B, and C, but not D, the new policy enables them to share network coverage more easily. 'Our principle is simple — where there's a road, there must be internet.' * 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
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Thursday (June 26, 2025)
Malaysia * Ministers no longer have 'kang tao' to commit graft, says Anthony Loke * Expanded SST will not affect basic services, say banking associations * Apples and oranges exempt from expanded SST, says PM * National Scam Response Centre will now cover all cybercrimes, says Anwar * UMS students and activist released on bail after rally * Police probe possible loan shark involvement in Tasek Gelugor house fire * Man killed in Gerik lorry-car collision * Man found dead in Ipoh house was shot and stabbed, say police * University to enhance security following student's murder * Anwar: Only positive reforms can safeguard nation's future * Labuan-Kota Kinabalu airfare soars to RM1,207, pricier than flights to Seoul, Bangkok * Man fatally stabbed in Kampung Kubu Gajah, suspect arrested * Two motorcyclists killed, two hurt in illegal street race * NRD clarifies viral post alleging Pakistani nationals were given MyKad * About 97% of goods will be taxed under expanded SST, says Dr Wee * Ahmad Zahid to leave decision on Hishammuddin's suspension to Umno's supreme council * Woman dies in suspected fall from eighth floor of PD hotel * Malaysian man, three Singaporeans charged with drug trafficking * Prosecution appeals against Syed Saddiq's acquittal on corruption charges * Suspected drug syndicate leader released on bail * Comms Ministry slashes red tape for foreign film script approvals * Stop kissing babies, prioritise what matters for the rakyat, Anwar tells leaders * Westports to sustain earnings despite global trade slowdown * Anwar launches Kota Madani, a RM4bil smart city for civil servants * PBS opts to strengthen ties within GRS, dismisses Barisan cooperation * Customs Dept foils attempt to smuggle over 50kg of drugs via air courier * Oh, rats! DBKK offering RM2 bounty on rodents until July 31 * My50 pass can be renewed with Touch 'n Go e-wallet from July 1 * Student murder: Victim's laptop and ATM card missing, say cops * No rape element in murder of university student, confirms police * Pan Borneo Highway progress slow, Sabah Works Minister urges action * Female student believed murdered at condominium in Selangor Singapore * Maiden plot in Singapore's Bukit Timah Turf City snags nine bids as developers jostle for first-mover advantage * News Analysis - Early start to heritage studies for Singapore's Bukit Timah Turf City housing site is paying off * At least S$3mil lost since June to scammers who used WhatsApp screen sharing: Singapore police * IKIM chairman's passing great loss to ummah in Malaysia, Singapore: Muslim Converts' Association of Singapore president * Singapore company allegedly received US$45mil illegally from abroad, two men charged * Jail for Malaysian man linked to use of stolen credit card details to buy phones worth over S$45,000 in Singapore * Singapore National Parks probing case of kitten reportedly stuffed in container in Tuas * Singapore's new blueprint will give residents more flexibility to choose ideal home: Analysts * S$83mil in illegal pharma seized in global sting; Warning to 732 sellers of health products in Singapore Indonesia * Indonesia to build super-maximum security prison on remote island * Brazilian hiker's family criticises speed of Rinjani rescue effort in Bali * Indonesia working on new e-commerce tax rule in bid to target 'shadow economy' * After nickel, Indonesia's copper smelting industry is now attracting investors * Indonesian rescuers recover body of Brazilian tourist who fell off volcano cliff Thailand * Thai teen says he threw himself out of a window to escape Cambodia's brutal scam farms * Thai PM orders relief measures amid ongoing border disputes with Cambodia * Bangkok Airways to suspend Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) – Lampang route * Thai PM, former Cambodian leader visit disputed border as tensions simmer * Thailand grants 1,000 Cambodians daily access to Ban Khlong Luek border crossing * Thailand makes new proposal to restrict cannabis sales * Thai party plans no-confidence vote against embattled PM Philippines * China urges Philippine military staff to refrain from 'malicious accusations' over drugs trade * Kanlaon Volcano emits higher sulfur dioxide levels in 24 hours Vietnam * Brain-dead man's donated organs save three critically ill patients in Vietnam * Vietnamese nationals charged in JB with trafficking 38kg of MDMA * Stock fraud: Vietnamese tycoon's jail term reduced * Govt seeks talks with Russia on nuclear power plans * Tycoon escapes death penalty Myanmar * Myanmar set to hold election by January 2026 * Myanmar torches US$300mil of drugs in declining annual haul * UN expert urges rejection of Myanmar election 'fraud' Cambodia * Amnesty says Cambodia is enabling brutal scam industry * Patriotic pumpkin sales: Cambodians back Preah Vihear farmers Laos * Australia provides funds to boost investment, economic cooperation with Laos * Laos, US reaffirm commitment to combat human trafficking Brunei * Brunei Health Ministry honours 224 for long service Aseanplus * Hope in fraught times: Trump-Xi bond could shift ties for the better, say US experts * Three dead and a dozen missing as torrential rains cause flash flood in north India * Bear sighting at airport in northeastern Japan disrupts flights * Former TVB actor Johnny Tang, 58, opens up about his life with 3 girlfriends * Thirty people, including 18 pupils, sustain minor injuries after vehicle hits pedestrians near school in Beijing: police * India recovers data from black boxes after deadly crash * HK actress Sharon Luk, who once dated a Malaysian tycoon, shares criteria for a partner * Ringgit climbs as Trump ramps up pressure on Fed to cut interest rates * Japanese manga Chiikawa exhibition to be held in Hong Kong in August * Hong Kong ranked most international city in Asia, narrowly beating Singapore * First it was the preppy 'Bila Nak Kahwin', elegant Amira Othman now returns with 'Dalam Sujudku', theme song for drama 'Dia Bukan Syurga' * Chinese cafe goes viral over coffee drink laced with cooked pig intestine * No plans to close Strait of Hormuz, regional trade route protected, says Iran envoy * Hundreds of earthquakes rattle Japanese island chain * Former president Yoon to be questioned on Saturday, requests privacy protection * Indian investigators download black box data from fatal Air India crash * North Korea may send more troops to Russia in July or August for Ukraine war, Seoul says * Labourer in India fights off leopard attack in Gladiator style with bare hands * Nikkei rises to 5-month high as Middle East calm boosts tech shares * Commuter traffic stops for whales on Australia's humpback highway * Six dead in southwest China flooding * Malaysia's PPI declines 3.6% in May 2025 - DOSM * How China's manufacturing hub spins a new yarn to become a tech powerhouse * Syed Saddiq says he's grateful to actress Bella Astillah, calls her an extraordinary woman: 'I will never forget her kindness' * Powerwell secures RM8.3mil data centre project in Indonesia * South Korea's convenience stores compete with ultra-cheap options as restaurant prices soar * WhatsApp launches AI-powered message summaries for chats * Bursa Malaysia firmer at midday * Sivasangari exits PSA Finals winless * Letshanaa stuns former world champ Okuhara in US Open first round * Oil rises as draw in US crude stocks signals firm demand * Stocks down with eyes on Middle East, dollar hit by Trump Fed comment * Global matcha 'obsession' drinks Japan tea farms dry * Rory brings back Asian Championships snooker title * China hosts Iranian, Russian defence ministers against backdrop of 'momentous change' * South Korea's Lee urges approval of US$22.5bil extra budget * More people are buying premium insurance with global travel disruptions * Chinese toymaker takes drastic action to survive Trump's tariffs * Malaysia and Singapore to boost youth volunteerism * China can't buy Nvidia's RTX 4090. Now its optical chip is twice as fast * Ringgit rises against US$ as markets digest Fed's tariff caution * Blue chips creep higher as investor stay cautious over Middle East ceasefire * Chinese actress Nashi accused of faking records to take college entrance exam * North Korea opens landmark coastal Wonsan tourist zone * US marine gets seven years' prison for sexual assault * Court rejects arrest warrant for ex-president Yoon * Beijing calls CIA videos 'absurd' attempt to recruit spies * 'The water rose very quickly' * British nationals facing a year in prison for drug charges * Li warns of rising trade barriers
