Kota Kinabalu: More community service programmes need to be implemented by Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) academicians through research grants to transfer knowledge to the off-campus community.
Dean of the Centre for the Promotion of Knowledge and Language Learning (PPIB) UMS Associate Professor Dr Lai Yew Meng said the use of research grants in community programmes is expected to expand the involvement and contribution of academicians towards the community without additional costs from the university.
“Community service also needs to be carried out more comprehensively involving various target groups and areas in the State,” he said.
Dr Lai was represented by the PPIB’s Deputy Dean of Research, Innovation, and Community Services, Associate Professor Dr Halina Sendera, at the launching ceremony of the said community service programme at the Prison Centre’s Integrity School.
About 15 academics from several UMS faculties led by Dr Esther Jawing implemented a six-week programme through the “Prison Learning Project” research starting April 5.
Through the programme, the teaching of Science and Mathematics modules would be conducted by UMS academics and integrity school teachers, which include interactions with young inmates in the prison.
Also present was the TPP of the Inmate Management Unit, Jaini Ayong.
Esther further said, the same programme will be implemented in Keningau in June which will involve teachers and students of SMK Keningau.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the PPIB Involvement and Community Networking Committee (External Organization), Dr. Budi Anto Mohd Tamring said, the community service is implemented through the UMS Special Fund Scheme research grant (SDK0317-2020).
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