UMS Sandakan Hosts Appreciation and Iftar Dinner for Media Friends

3 March 2026

SANDAKAN: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) organised its annual Appreciation and Iftar Dinner with media representatives from Sandakan on Tuesday , emphasising the vital role of media in community engagement and institutional development.

The event, held at Sandakan Seafood, was attended by media practitioners from print, electronic, and online platforms, as well as university officials and invited guests.

In his speech, Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr. Kasim Mansor acknowledged the significant contributions of media partners in shaping public perception of UMS, particularly in Sandakan.

He expressed gratitude for the media’s professionalism and support, especially amidst recent challenges such as water supply issues and viral social media stories.

"The media has demonstrated high professionalism, verifying facts, reporting in a balanced manner, and avoiding sensationalism," he said, adding that the media plays a crucial role in shaping societal attitudes and confidence in the university.

Dr. Kasim highlighted the achievements of the Faculty of Sustainable Agriculture (FSA), noting its development as a centre of excellence in sustainable agriculture and food security.

He credited media coverage for helping showcase research breakthroughs, community programmes, and industry collaborations that benefit the local community.

While media coverage for UMS has significant commercial value, the Vice-Chancellor emphasised that the true worth lies in the trust and relationships built with media partners, many of which provide coverage free of charge.

He reiterated that media professionals are considered VIPs within the university’s ecosystem and called for continued strategic collaboration.

He urged faculty and department leaders, especially at FSA, to strengthen their relationships with Sandakan’s media outlets by providing prompt, accurate, and transparent responses to media inquiries.

"Our responsibility extends beyond generating knowledge; we must ensure that this knowledge reaches the community in an understandable and beneficial manner," he said.

Dr. Kasim thanked all media friends for their ongoing support, both in good times and challenging moments, and expressed hope that the partnership would continue to strengthen for the betterment of higher education and the development of Sabah.

The event underscored UMS’s commitment to fostering strong relationships with media partners as a vital component of its community engagement and institutional growth.