Universiti Malaysia Sabah

Infobox University
name = Universiti Malaysia Sabah
native_name = Universiti Malaysia Sabah

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image_size = 150px
motto = Bertekad Cemerlang
mottoeng = Strive to Excel
established = 1994
type = Public
chancellor = TYT Tun Haji Ahmad Shah bin Abdullah, Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah
vice_chancellor = Lt Kol Prof Datuk Dr Hj Kamaruzaman Hj Ampon
city = Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
country = Malaysia
campus = Kota Kinabalu
branch in Labuan
students =
affiliations = ASAIHL
website = http://www.ums.edu.my/

Universiti Malaysia Sabah ( _en. University of Malaysia, Sabah) or UMS is the ninth Malaysian public university located in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia and was established on November 24 1994. His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong proclaimed the establishment of UMS under Section 6(1) of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971. UMS is considered as the most beautiful university in Southeast Asia.

History

UMS' first campus was sited at the site of Kolej Komuniti Yayasan Sabah (KKYS) on the grounds of Yayasan Sabah (Sabah Foundation) itself. The first intake consisted of 205 undergraduates, with its residences located just beside the football field, on the compound of Yayasan Sabah.

Initially, the university management office operated at the Malaysian Ministry of Education in Kuala Lumpur. It only shifted to Kota Kinabalu in 1995 by renting buildings to cater to its needs.

In August the same year, physical development began to take place on a 999-acre (4 km²) land, located to the north of Kota Kinabalu City.. The first phase of its construction was only completed in 2000.

UMS opened a branch campus in the Island of Labuan in 1999, known as Kampus Antarabangsa Labuan (Labuan International Campus).

Yang Amat Berbahagia(YAB) Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Hj. Aman, the Chief Minister of Sabah and Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Dato' Seri (Dr.) Yeoh Tiung Lay, Group Executive Chairman of YTL Corporation Berhad are currently the Pro-Chancellors of UMS.

Tan Sri Datuk Abd Hamid Ego, a senior state civil servant and former state secretary, is the Chairman of the Board of Directors since the university was established.

Y.Bhg. Lt Kol Prof Datuk Dr Hj Kamaruzaman Hj Ampon.a Biochemist and the first Sabah born professor, is the current Vice-Chancellor.He took over from the second vice-chancellor, Prof. Dato Dr Mohd Noh Dalimin on the 18th June 2008, a Physicist from Johore.

There are three Deputy Vice-Chancellors namely, Prof. Dr. Haji Sanudin Hj. Tahir (Deputy VC for Academic & International),Prof Dr Amran Ahmed (Deputy VC for Students and Alumni Affairs)and Prof. Dr. Rosnah Ismail (Deputy VC for Research and Innovation).

En. Abdullah Said is currently the Registrar and En Rizal Othman the Burser.

Trivia

The numerical number nine (9) has a rather significant association for Universiti Malaysia Sabah:
* It's the ninth public university to be established in Malaysia.
* Its first management office was located on the 9th floor of Wisma Gaya, Kota Kinabalu.
* The first Vice-Chancellor of the University,Tan Sri Prof. Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Abu Hassan Othman, and the first two Deputy Vice-Chancellors, namely, Prof.Dato' Dr Sulaiman Yassin, and Prof. Dato Dr Wan Rafaie, were all from Negeri Sembilan (Ninth State).
* The main campus in Kota Kinabalu, is located on a parcel of land measuring 999 acres.

Faculties

There are currently 13 schools and 9 research institutes in UMS.

chool of Social Sciences

The School of Social Sciences (SSS) was established in 1995 when Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) received its first intake of students. It was formed to fulfil the need for developing knowledge in the social sciences by offering courses from various programmes to produce graduates who are able to contribute to the development of the country.

SSS strives to excel in areas of teaching and community service. Hence, the School endeavours to empower would-be graduates to ensure that they become responsible, dedicated and ready to serve the nation.

The main aims of the School are:

* To disseminate knowledge in the social sciences and related fields through teaching and research, as well as to broaden courses and degrees offered.
* To produce competent graduates who are ready to serve the nation for peace and prosperity.
* To establish relations between UMS and the private, industrial and government sectors, at the national and international levels.
* To strengthen ties between institutions of higher learning from within and outside the country.

Assoc. Prof. Inon Saharuddin was the first dean, when the school was established in 1995. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Asmady Idris is the current dean since 2006.

chool of Science and Technology

The School of Science & Technology (SST) was established in 1995 with a primary aim to produce graduates in the field of science and technology in line with the aspiration of the Malaysian Government to achieve the status of an industrialized country.

The main function of the school is to develop and disseminate knowledge related to science and technology through teaching, research and publications.

Being located in a region rich in natural resources (land, forest, river and sea), the priority of the school is geared towards the sustainable management of these heritages.

The school has 10 undergraduate academic programmes that lead to a BSc (Hons) in biological & physical sciences. On top of this, SST also offers Master and PhD by research in all the fields of studies.

Prof.Dr. Mohd Noh Dalimin was the first dean, when the school was established in 1995. Prof.Dr. Mohd Harun is the current dean since mid-2008.

chool of Psychology and Social Work

The School of Psychology and Social Work, established in 1997, determines to educate students to be well informed and skilled in areas of psychology and social work. As the two disciplines - psychology and social work- are located under one roof, school core courses are an integral part of every program offered, thus truly depicting the school's multidisciplinary approach.

Presently the school has five programs; Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Youth and Community Psychology, Counseling Child and Family Studies, and Social Work. The latter, though a latest addition to the school offering, will soon has several programmes added to it. The school practices the scientist-practitioner-leader approach, as seen in its strong emphasize on teaching, research and practicum or internship work. It aims to produce well-rounded professionals, not only well informed but also creative, dynamic, skilled, and capable of meeting the challenges of today's societal demands and expectations. The school's graduates vary in their ability and are employed as managers, administrators, educators, researchers, social workers, human resource officers, and counselors, among others.

The School has the following objectives:
* To produce graduates, competent in the field of psychology and social work.
* To produce skilled and trained professionals in industry and organization, counseling, youth and community development, social work, and child development and family;
* To assist students to be more creative, to experiment new ideas, and determined in their work through practicum and internship, case studies and research projects.
* To strive for academic excellence and to promote UMS as leading educational and research institution in the field of psychology, social work and related programs.

Prof.Dato Dr Abdul Halim Othman was the first dean, when the school was established in 1996. Prof. Dr. Shuib Hj Din is the current dean since 2002.

chool of Engineering and Information Technology

The School of Engineering and Information Technology (SEIT) was established in 1996 to meet the increasing needs of skilled manpower of the country in the field of engineering and information technology. The goals for the establishment of the school are in line with the mission of UMS to become an innovative university. The school strives to foster and promote an environment conducive to teaching and learning as well as excellence particularly in engineering and information technology.

The objectives of the school are as follows:
*To develop programme of study relevant to industrial and national needs
*To produce skilled graduates in engineering and information technology who can contribute to nation building and wealth creation
*To train graduates who have strong fundamentals in relevant areas but at the same time are competent in his or her chosen field of study
*To equip the students with the necessary knowledge and skills in problem solving and analytical thinking
*To expand and broaden knowledge by means of research in engineering and information technology

The programme, curriculum and courses are designed to prepare students with the necessary skills and knowledge for their careers in business, consulting, marketing, information technology, education and other fields. To achieve these objectives the school always works in collaboration with industries and various agencies so that programmes are consistently relevant to the needs of the industry.

The main purpose of School of Engineering and Information Technology’s offer of study programs is to create manpower that is united and trained in specific disciplines, capable of contributing to the country’s development as well as fulfilling educational elements which builds the ability to think, analyze and evaluate.

In 2004/2005, Wong Lih Yen was selected as the Student Representative Council for SKTM. He was elected as EXCO Economic Development.

The first dean was Prof. Dr Sanuddin Tahir, a geologist, and currently, a chemical engineer, Assoc. Prof. Dr Rosalam Sarbatly is the fourth dean for the school.

chool of Food Science and Nutrition

The School of Food Science and Nutrition was established in 1997 with the mission to produce graduates who are well equipped with knowledge and skills that are required to undertake a variety of responsibilities in the area of food science and nutrition. Studies in food science and nutrition cover the continuum from raw materials to food on the table for consumers. Food scientists are involved in developing ways to process, preserve, and package or store food according to industry and government specifications and regulations. With the rapidly expanding world population, the increasing demand for healthy, convenient food and the increasing concern for the safety and quality of food supply, opportunities for well trained food scientists are plenty.

The School of Food Science and Nutition strives to achieve academic excellence in the field of food science, technology and nutrition to gain international recognition through learning and teaching, research and publication, social services and to provide skilled personnel in areas relating to the food industry resulting in high productivity and quantity in the context of the society and the nation.

The school's missions are as follows:
*To prepare international level teaching curriculum.
*To provide conducive research environment in order to encourage participation of academic staff in academic research and publication.
*To provide academic staff with sufficient expertise and experience to qualify as experts in certain specialised field/area.

The school's objectives are as follows:
*To produce graduates complete with knowledge as trained, ethical scientists who foster good values which will enable them to undertake a variety of responsibilities in the field of food science, technology and nutrition.
*To become an excellent centre for study, research, training and consultation in the field of food science, technology and nutrition at the national and international level.

chool of International Tropical Forestry

The School of International Tropical Forestry was established in 1996. Its primary function is to train professional foresters to manage the country's rich forest resources as well as to further develop the wood-based industries and eco-tourism sector of the country. The School offers Bachelor of Forestry Science and Graduate studies on forestry related fields.

The School currently has four programmes namely International Tropical Forestry, Nature Parks and Recreation, Forest Plantation and Agro forestry and Wood Fibre Industries and Technology. Competent teaching staff specialised in various disciplines related to forestry, wood industries management, nature parks, recreation management, forestry plantations and agro forestry.

The School promotes excellence in teaching, research and extension services in its effort to become a centre for international tropical forestry education, contributing not only towards discovery of knowledge and human advancement but also to the creation of wealth and nation building.

chool of Business and Economics

The School of Business and Economics was established in 1995 with the intention of fulfilling the country's needs for managers and entrepreneurs in various areas of business to ensure that Malaysia achieve its objective to be an industrialised nation by 2020.

Objectives of the school are:
* to provide knowledge in business and economics that creates and develops well-rounded managers and executives to enable them to compete at the global level;
* to produce proactive graduates who are knowledgeable and keep abreast with current issues of business and economics;
* to produce graduates with capability to integrate and apply the latest technology in organisational management;
* to contribute to the country's development by producing graduates that fulfils requirements of both private and public sectors;
* to provide knowledge of business and economics to students of other schools in this university in order to produce well-rounded graduates.

Currently, the school offers 10 areas of study in the field of business and economics at both undergraduate and post-graduate levels. There are more than 1000 undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled in various courses offered by the school. The ten undergraduate programmes offered by the school are Entrepreneurship, Banking and Finance, International Business, Marketing, Accounting, Hotel Management, Financial Economics, Human Resource Economics, Planning and Development Economics and Tourism Management.

chool of Education and Social Development

Established in 1996, the School of Education and Social Development (SESD) strives to vindicate the values and principles that education is fundamentally about human growth and development nurtured by perspectives and insights that emerge from critical evaluation and scholarly enquiry.

The School prepares students in all important disciplines so that they attain the capability of realising the educational aspirations of the country. In pursuance of this goal, SESD provides a conducive and vibrant learning environment for intellectual, professional, social and moral development of students through a number of excellent undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. It is envisioned that the imparted knowledge will make a difference in their lives, and through them, their families, organisations and communities. A unique feature of the programmes is that they are oriented to societal needs that enable students to function effectively in the campus community and subsequently in professional life in a dynamic multicultural and multiethnic society.

Graduates of SESD are trained not only to be effective teachers but also to be effective school leaders. The School is committed to provide students with meaningful and integrated educational experiences that build upon their individual interests and professional development goals, which incorporate cutting-edge theory and research with practice and that collaboratively engage them in learning, teaching and community service activities.

Programmes offered at SESD are primarily aimed at producing trained teachers who are capable and well balanced in all disciplines. They are comprehensively trained to enable them to contribute positively to the development of the country and to realise the national education aspirations of the country. Besides that, the programmes seek to create forward thinking students, who are able to think, analyse and evaluate effectively.

The main thrust of development at SESD is underpinned by the following ideals:
* Education that helps to consolidate the development of individuals who are god fearing and responsible to the society and the environment.
* Education that complements both the Philosophy of Education of Malaysia and the chartered mission of Universiti Malaysia Sabah.
* Education that ensures the fundamental intellectual development of individuals will be on par with the best in the world.

chool of Art Studies

The School has the following objectives:
* To provide knowledge in the technology-based arts studies in order to produce graduates who are capable of promoting and cultivating various arts to the industry and society.
* to provide courses that enable students to be critical in their thinking, communicate well with others, appreciate art and culture, manage themselves well, and lead an organisation competently;
* To produce graduates with communication skills worthy of appreciation in interpersonal, social, corporate and community relations.
* to instill in students genuine love and patriotism for the country;
* To provide consultative expertise in the fields of creative and applied technology.
* to promote universal moral values and ethical principles amongst students;
* To generate competitive arts entrepreneurs in the arts and entertainment industry at national and international level.

chool of Medicine

The Universiti Malaysia Sabah School of Medicine was established in the year 2003. It aims to train medical professionals of the highest standard in an effort to meet the needs of Sabah, in particular, and Malaysia in general.

Sabah is a state rich not only in natural resources and biodiversity but also in a population rich in ethnic variations. The school's students will be exposed to communities of different racial, socioeconomic status and health problems. Their understanding of these differences and the recognition of the underlying problems of the rural communities will help them solve problems faced by the indigenous and the urban communities in their future careers.

The mission of the School is to impart medical education of high quality with emphasis on universal values such as ethics, morality, care and concern as well as teamwork, initiated at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

The Medical School at Universiti Malaysia Sabah, aspires to become the centre of excellence in learning and research in the field of Medicine both locally and internationally. The school will strive to produce medical graduates of high caliber, possessing ethical and moral values as well as embracing a liberal, independent and global outlook. They must portray a readiness to offer professional service towards enhancing the quality of life anywhere. These values will enable the UMS medical graduate to act prudently in providing appropriate leadership to promote the health of the communities, thus empowering them to look after themselves.

Based on the mission and vision of the School of Medicine, on completion of the Doctor Of Medicine (MD) programme, the Medical Students will be equipped with knowledge and education to enable them to:

*Give comprehensive healthcare to patients, their family and the community.
*Be competent when serving their clients but at the same time recognize their limitations and consult colleagues when necessary
*Be skilled when counseling and dealing with patients in the provision of health education and promotion measures.
*Use their analytical skills in solving clinical problems of their patients in a way that is acceptable and cost effective.
*Exhibit the right attitude, knowledge and skills in their communication with superiors, colleagues, peers and health professionals.
*Be team leaders in the area of medicine, community and society.
*Contribute to medical expertise in different settings, both rural and urban to meet the needs of the community.
*Contribute to research, scientific writing and publishing and development of ideas and technology that will be adopted globally.
*Continue in the pursuit of knowledge through a lifetime of continuing medical education (CME)

chool of Sustainable Agriculture

This school was established to train students to become skilled manpower to assist in national agricultural production. Students are to be taught the latest and state of the art knowledge and cutting-edge research in agriculture. The main goal of the school is to produce knowledgeable graduates in the fields of crop production, livestock production, and horticulture and landscape in line with the National Agriculture Policy-3, which emphasizes domestic agriculture production that is suitable, safe and sufficient for local consumption and marketable globally and at the same time maintaining the good quality of our environment.

The main goals of the school’s programs are to produce graduates who can contribute to the skilled and knowledgeable manpower in the field of agriculture and are able to compete at both national and international levels. The graduates should possess the following characteristics:
*High achiever, integrity, entrepreneurship and sensitive to the issues of environmental conservation.
*Have vast knowledge in management of various aspects of conventional and contemporary agriculture.
*Adaptable to changes in technology development in the agricultural sector.
*Apt and efficient to act as sound farm entrepreneurs and agricultural managers.

Labuan School of International Business and Finance

Labuan School of International Business and Finance (LSIBF) started its operation in March 1999 with an intake of 356 students. Currently, LSIBF offers 4 distinctive degrees, namely Bachelor of International Business (Hons), Bachelor of International Finance (Hons), Bachelor of International Marketing (Hons) and Bachelor of Islamic Finance (Hons.). LSIBF has 5 programmes in the fields of International Finance, International and Offshore Banking, International Marketing, International Financial Economics and Islamic Finance. These academic programmes is directed towards global perspectives, to cater for the needs of the world's business and financial economics developments. LSIBF hopes to produce experts and well-trained workforce in the fields of international business and finance. The core curriculum is intended to enhance students' critical thinking and ability in decision making that will be applicable to the real world. In this regard, the teaching and learning process focuses on the conceptual and practical aspects of global business and finance with the help of current multimedia technology, market data, and case studies, wherever appropriate. To date (2007), some 2000 students have graduated from this school, including few oversea students. It is expected that in 10 years' time, 20-30% of the students will be coming from oversea.

The School's objectives are as follows:
*To generate knowledge on business and finance with global perspectives through teaching, researching and publication.
*To provide balance education through the integration of conceptual, technical, human and communication skills.
*To produce educated and well-trained workforce in the fields of international business and finance multimedia technology-based training.
*To produce human resource who are able to contribute to the nation's development and have competitive capability in the international arena.
*To shape continuous network-relationship with government, industrial sector and the general public in the national and international levels.

Labuan School of Informatics Science

The Labuan School of Informatic Sciences was established in May 1999 to support students' learning in the field of information technology which is characterised as the "Soft Science" and oriented towards the business environment.

It is widely recognised that, to be economically competitive in the global economy, the country needs to achieve and maintain a rate of technological development at least equal to that of international competitors. The ability to manage new technology and to ensure high levels of product quality are the essential skills that are required if the country wishes to compete in the world markets.

Currently, advances in computers, interactive technologies and the Internet have enabled video, audio and text information to be processed and presented collectively as a single multimedia document. Over the next decade, the internet and the web promise many exciting developments. The internet is the fastest growing segment of the computer industry. E-commerce is another aspect of the web that is gaining tremendous interest. The Labuan School of Informatic Sciences has taken this challenge by offering two high demand courses; Multimedia Technology and E-Commerce.

Both programmes have been designed to enable students to put theoretical concepts in practice via the usage of Digital Media Technology through various technology facilities. Graduates of these courses will have acquired skills that will be of value to companies, large and small, who are exploiting the benefits of this growth area.

Besides that, Labuan School of Informatic Sciences was the first Malaysian Public university to introduce an e-commerce programme and the first University in Malaysia that concentrates only on soft-IT.

The School has the following specific objectives:
* To enhance the environment for research, teaching and learning by extending knowledge in the ICT field especially in Multimedia and e-commerce disciplines.
* To provide a balance between theory and practice, which will form the basis for students' future careers as multimedia and e-commerce professionals.
* To improve the national and international standing of the school in terms of research, teaching and learning.
* To provide the opportunity for students in professional career development through our high quality education.
* To ensure quality courses that focus in current, up-to-date techniques and industrial practice.

Centre for the Promotion of Knowledge and Language Learning

The Centre for the Promotion of Knowledge and Language Learning of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), or for short, PPIB (Malay acronym for Pusat Penataran Ilmu dan Bahasa), was established at the end of 1994 in an attempt to produce multi-skilled graduates who are liberal in their thoughts and perspective, and who have an appreciation for national and societal values. In other words, the Centre strives to inculcate students with universal noble values and to instill in them a sense of patriotism for their country.

The Centre offers liberal studies by providing contemporarily relevant courses aimed at training students to communicate effectively at both national and international levels. The courses are also intended to produce competitive, well-rounded graduates who have humane attributes, wide global knowledge and modern outlook. Apart from this, the Centre for the Promotion of Knowledge and Language Learning also offers courses on foreign languages. The courses offered by the Centre are open to all undergraduates from the various schools in UMS.

The Centre was set up for the following purposes:
*To help students build a solid foundation in liberal arts education, to enable students from various disciplines to keep a sense of global perspective and to refine their way of thinking;
*To provide courses that enable students to be critical in their thinking, communicate well with others, appreciate art and culture, manage themselves well, and lead an organisation competently.
*To train students to acquire skills in computing, public speaking, negotiating skills and foreign languages other than the English Language.
*To instill in students genuine love and patriotism for the country.
*To develop skills in critical thinking so as to achieve a higher level of maturity.
*To promote universal moral values and ethical principles amongst students.
*To produce well-rounded, versatile and capable graduates

Centre for Cocurriculum and Student Development

The Centre for Cocurriculum and Student Development was established in the year 2002. Its role is to give educational and learning services of over 80 cocurriculum courses that are offered to the students of the university. The orientation of management of the centre is to give the best service in conducting the cocurriculum activity as a core module and a compulsory course that must be taken by all the students of the university, and also to develop the students' ability and potential to master the human skill through students development activities.

The Centre has the following missions and objectives:
*To activate the student's interests, to develop excellent minds, talents and students' potentials through healthy and objective-oriented activities especially in leadership, community relationship and outreach programmes.
*To produce future leaders that are smart and confidence, to nurture the potential of students in sports and arts.
*To shape and develop student's self-esteem, to enhance patriotic values, high self-respect, and moral values amongst the students.

Institute/Research/Unit/Centre

Tropical Biology and Conservation Research Institute

Tropical Biology and Conservation Research Institute (ITBC) was founded in 1996. With the coordinating assistance of the Institute, local and international scientists can better explore the diverse terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems of the tropics, especially Sabah.

The objectives of the Institute are as follows:
*To be a research and reference centre in the field of tropical biology and conservation,
*To be a reference point for local biodiversity; to aid in management and environment impact assessments,
*To carry out studies on tropical rainforests and freshwater ecosystems as well as the conservation of these habitats and their inhabitants,
*To provide well-trained and skilled manpower in the fields of tropical biology and conservation through long and short-term research/training programmes and postgraduate supervision,
*To disseminate biodiversity knowledge by organizing conferences and workshops.

Biotechnology Research Institute

The Biotechnology Research Institute (BRI) was established in January 2002 to function as a Center of Excellence in the field of Biotechnology at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). The establishment of BRI is in tandem with the nation's efforts to promote research and development in biological or life sciences for the improvement of the quality of human life in relations to medicine, food, agricultural science and environmental protection.

The main functions of the Institute are:
*To promote research and postgraduate training through a demand-driven education programme in the field of biotechnology;
*To undertake strategic biotechnology research in key areas relevant to the geographical location of Universiti Malaysia Sabah;
*To serve as a facility centre housing high-end analytical equipment;
*To serve as a biotechnology hub for Sabah and its surrounding regions;
*To develop corporate partnerships to help drive the nation's biotechnology industry;
*To create and encourage an entrepreneurial culture among UMS researchers in the commercialisation of biotechnology R&D outputs;
*To support and contribute to the nation and Sabah bio-industries.

Borneo Marine Research Institute

Borneo Marine Research Institute (BMRI) was established in 1995 with the aim of promoting education, research and training in conservation and sustainable development of marine resources, and a rational deployment of biotechnology. The Institute is fast emerging as a venue for pursuing excellence in generating knowledge across a wide range of marine science and aquaculture in a regional, national and international context.

Towards this goal, the BMRI carries out need-based research, works in partnership with stakeholder institutions on projects with long-term benefits for the society, and undertakes teaching and training of undergraduate and post-graduate students.

The Institute's missions are:
*To undertake scholarly research in need-based areas of marine science and aquaculture.
*To provide high-quality education, hands-on experience and training in marine science and sustainable aquaculture.
*To disseminate knowledge and facilitate its application to scientific, social and economic problems related to marine environment and aquaculture.

Ethnographic and Development Research Unit

The Unit began operation in 2001, and is based at the School of Social Sciences. It is dedicated to research in the field of ethnography and development with a strong environmental emphasis focusing on Sabah and Sarawak with some interest in Indonesian Kalimantan. The emphasis on Borneo is to take advantage of the region's multi-ethnic population and rich biodiversity. As a research centre in the social sciences, the unit emphasises inter-disciplinary research drawing expertise from disciplines including Sociology and Anthropology, History, Human Geography, Politics and International Relations.

It also encourages joint research with disciplines other than the social sciences especially in the Biological Sciences- marine and terrestrial-in the area of environmental conservation. Apart from research activities, the Unit also conducts workshops and seminars as part of its attempt to disseminate knowledge and to provide linkages between the university student population and academics with the general public. Research topics to which this Unit devote itself include ethnic relations of the Sabah population and the impact of development on the social and physical environment local, especially rural communities..

The Unit is actively involved in developing research networks nationally and internationally, has an active seminar series and is embarking on a planned expansion program.

Psychology and Social Health Research Unit

Sabah is in a unique position to foster quality research which will be of great benefit to Malaysia. Such research may not only assist government policies, but can contribute greatly to the discipline of psychology in general. In the field of psychology and social health, research in the Sabahan context has much to offer of both practical and theoretical significance. Psychological services in the community are very few, and research is needed into many psychological issues affecting the community.

The country is grappling with social ills such as substance abuse, rape and violence, bad morals, depression and suicides, stress and family breakdowns. Looking at world trends, we are concerned over the price we are paying for progress. Development without positive mental health, good character and relationships is meaningless.

Realising this importance, Universiti Malaysia Sabah has established the Psychology and Social Health Research Unit (PSHRU) in 1998 to undertake a holistic research which focus on stress, depression and anxiety and cross-cultural family psychology that includes children, adolescent and aging population.

The objectives of the Unit are:
*To conduct interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary applied research to advance knowledge regarding current issues and the psychology of the society.
*To establish a centre of excellence on research and information in the field of stress, family psychology and psychological assessment and evaluation.
*To establish a top-class forum for researchers, intellectuals, politicians, policy makers and technocrats to discuss issues relating to the psychology and social health of the society
*To establish a think-tank, acting as a database to contribute psychological inputs to the Nation’s policy makers.
*To provide training of researchers at the postgraduate as well as post-doctoral levels.

Centre for Natural Disasters Studies

The occurrence of natural disasters such as floods and landslides are on the increase in Malaysia. While many researchers are in one way or another working on this problem, no specific institution has been established in Malaysia to seriously look into the studies of natural disasters. Recognizing the critical and urgent need for enhancing the capability of the country to manage natural disasters, Universiti Malaysia Sabah took the initiative to formally establish this research center in early 2006. This center acts as focal point for all research activities in UMS that are related to natural disasters.

The objective of the Center is to generate new knowledge related to the better understanding of the mechanism, impacts and mitigation of natural hazards towards the reduction of natural disasters in Malaysia.

The main functions of the Center are:
*To undertake fundamental and applied research;
*To provide expertise for consultancy and service;
*To produce scientific and popular publications;
*To organize public awareness activities; and
*To develop a database on natural disaster in Malaysia.

Centre for Research and Entrepreneurial Development

The Centre for Research and Entrepreneurial Development (CERD), UMS was established in January 2003. The main objective of the centre's establishment is to be as one of the entrepreneurial resource centre which focuses on the entrepreneurial research and development process both domestically and globally. The Centre was established at UMS as one of the centres of excellence through its research, dissemination of innovative entrepreneurial knowledge and practice and also through the development of a competitive and good quality younger generation especially the entrepreneurship graduates.

The Centre for Research and Entrepreneurial Development plays an active role in giving entrepreneurial support services such as business counseling, business information and entrepreneurial spirit needed by the entrepreneurs.

The objectives of CERD are:
*To facilitate experts for entrepreneurship research;
*To be a platform for entrepreneurship dialogue and growth;
*To inspire entrepreneurship spirit and culture;
*To shape curriculum and entrepreneurship training module for quality entrepreneurship excellence.

Centre for Remote Sensing and GIS

Remote sensing technology and GIS started to advance in Malaysia in 1980s, particularly in safeguarding the nature. The effective use of the technology in assessing forest resources, detecting soil erosion and monitoring marine ecology, which evidently provides latest and accurate data plus reduces the cost, time and labour compared to a conventional practice, has prompted the government to establish Malaysian Centre of Remote Sensing (MACRES) in 1988.

In Sabah, although the government is fully aware of the efficiency and potential use of remote sensing technology and GIS in safeguarding its vast forest and marine ecosystem, the application is still limited.

Hence, the establishment of a centre for remote sensing and GIS in University Malaysia Sabah for learning, teaching, research and consultancy suitably accommodates the needs of the state government. The proposed research involves various disciplines such as forest management, biodiversity, coastal area, marine ecosystem, geology, etc.

Centre for Rural Education and Development

Centre for Rural Education Development (CRED), which was founded in May 2006, is housed within the administration of School of Education and Social Development, Universiti Malaysia Sabah. The Centre aims to develop and provide supports in the research and development of rural community, which includes the coastal areas of the river and sea, islands, interior province and mountain site. The establishment of CRED is also one of major contributions by the School of Education and Social Development towards the university's aspiration; "Strive to Excel".

Numerous researches and community activities had been carried out through the school, prior to the establishment of this centre. Since 2002, a huge number of researches pertaining to the rural education was implemented in the areas of administration, sociology, psychology and curriculum by SPPS lecturers and post-grade students. In addition, these collaborative researches involved different schools and research units in UMS. Apart from UMS research fund, most of the financial resources came from IRPA, UNESCO as well as from the State Departments.

The objectives of CRED are:
*To provide continuous educational programme by collaborating with schools
*To facilitate researches for rural community development
*To generate community awareness towards the importance of education
*To train volunteers as change agents
*To establish network between local and foreign universities, and other related agencies for rural community development

References

External links

* [http://www.ums.edu.my Universiti Malaysia Sabah]