UNIVERSITI Malaysia Sabah (UMS) needs to create a higher education environment capable of becoming a centre of excellence and producing competitive and innovative graduates to meet the needs of skilled manpower for the country and internationally, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said in the context of education, the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) has outlined a focus on the development of future talent, which is to improve the quality of education to ensure that the students produced meet the standards required, especially by the industry.
For that reason, he said, higher education institutions including UMS are encouraged to strengthen cooperation with industry players in research, development, commercialisation and innovation activities.
“The State Government, which is investor-friendly, needs graduates who are knowledgeable and skilled to meet the demands of the industry.
SPONSORED CONTENT Daily Express members: Enjoy 1 for 1 signature cocktails and more at Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu: DAILY EXPRESS is partnering with Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu to offer an exclusive deal for our members. Read more I hope that UMS will be a university capable of producing graduates who are ready for this in future,” he said at the Pledge and Promise Ceremony in conjunction with the 29th Session of UMS Friendly Adaptation Week (2023/2024) at the university’s Chancellor Hall in Kota Kinabalu on Oct 3.
Hajiji said the State Government remains committed and always cooperates with UMS in helping efforts towards the progress and improvement of the level of higher education in the country, in accordance with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan which emphasises the industrial, agricultural and tourism sectors as the core key to reviving the economy, including human capital development.
He said the State Government is also always committed to strengthening the development of education and its infrastructure in an effort to produce quality human capital because with good education it is possible to change the quality of life of the people which ultimately contributes to the success and excellence of the country, especially Sabah.
“We don’t want anyone to be marginalised from receiving education in Sabah. Therefore, several initiatives have been taken by the State Government to help young Sabahans continue their studies to a higher level,” he said.
Hajiji said the State Government has also introduced the Sabah Student Consultative Council to give future leaders a space to convey the views, ideas and aspirations of Sabahan youth in empowering the role of youth in the State.
In addition, he said, the establishment of the Sabah Student Secretariat (SEMESTA) which is a liaison body to bring the voice of Sabahan students to the State Government as well as an intermediary body in conveying information regarding the policies of the Sabah Government to Sabah students.
He also wants to see UMS always close to the hearts of the community through the University for Society initiative which is designed to encourage the transfer of quality knowledge based on scholarship generated in public universities to communities in need with the aim of mutual wellbeing and prosperity.
“The role of the university in helping the community is very significant. Academics and researchers, as well as students, need to go to the field to identify the problems faced by the community and then help provide appropriate solutions,” he said.
Hajiji, who is also UMS Pro-Chancellor, is very proud of the current achievements shown by UMS. Since its existence, UMS has helped generate development transformation in Sabah and is now one of the leading universities in the country which has always been a reference centre, especially in the State.
He also congratulated Professor Datuk Dr Kasim Haji Mansor for being reappointed as Vice Chancellor of UMS.
Dr Kasim is an experienced local, has been with UMS for a long time and is one of the most famous academics from Sabah in the country.
Hajiji also hopes that the presence of new students at UMS will result in outstanding success and a proud life history throughout their studies.
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