UMS-Unicef Devt Communication Research Unit set up

KOTA KINABALU: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) is the first university in Malaysia to set up UMS-Unicef Development Communication Research Unit (C4D), and is the second in Asean countries a er Dhurakij University Bangkok, Thailand.

The establishment of the unit was the result of a cooperation agreement between UMS and the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) signed by UMS Vice Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr D Kamarudin D Mudin with Unicef’s deputy representative in Malaysia, Rosalaw Rzehak at the vicechancellor’s office here yesterday.

Kamarudin said that through the agreement, UMS would provide operational and human resource space comprising academics, while Unicef provides initial funding and expertise.

“Among the goals of the C4D include conducting action research on issues relating to women and children to create appropriate framework, provide consultancy and training services and establish collaborative network in the provision of technical support.

“In addition, the unit will also promote the use of C4D as a cross-cu ing strategy in the implementation of social development projects and become a partner of choice by agencies requiring C4D services,” he said.

Kamarudin said the Unicef also provides an initial funding of more than RM300,000 for capacity training and development as well as issues related to women and children.

“We are grateful to Unicef for choosing UMS as a strategic partner for the establishment of this unit. We also welcome cooperation from any other bodies in the future,” he added.

C4D is a communication approach to support social development projects including agriculture, education, health and poverty eradication.