Town Gown to inspire youngsters to pursue tertiary studies

LABUAN: The smart partnership between Labuan Corporation (LC) and Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Labuan International Campus (UMS-KAL) must be enhanced further, LC chief executive officer, Datuk Mohd Nadzri Osman said here yesterday.

In his speech during the UMS-KAL Town Gown Parade 2014, he said that UMS-KAL symbolised the importance of tertiary education among the citizens of Labuan Federal Territory.

“The existence of UMS-KAL has contributed to a vibrant economy, tourism industry, purchasing power, transportation business, housing, telecomunication and to population growth here in this duty-free island.

“This is because of the presence of lecturers, officers, staff and the domestic and international students. While UMSKAL has helped to organise many programmes not only with LC, but also with other government departments and agencies, private agencies and nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) here in this island,” he said, hoping that the cooperation with the UMSKAL would be continued so that there would joint efforts in developing Labuan further.

The Town Gown Parade was held in conjunction with the 16th UMS Convocation.

Mohd Nadzri added that he hoped UMS-KAL would inspire the youngsters to pursue their studies at university level especially at UMS.

Meanwhile, UMS vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Harun Abdullah said in his speech that since UMS-KAL was set up here on May 1999, it had produced many successful graduates serving nationwide including in Labuan.

He reminded the campus citizens to uphold the campus’ image, while hoping that the cooperation between UMS and the society here including the local leaders would be continued and enhanced in organising activities by the campus here.

Also present were the two deputy vice chancellors of UMS, Prof Dr Shahril Yusof and Associate Prof Dr Ismail Ali, UMS Registrar Datuk Abdullah Mohd Said, the deputy chief executive officer of Labuan Corporation Haji Mohd Rithuan Ismail and UMS-KAL director Prof Madya Dr Murnizam Haji Halik.

From left, front: Mohd Rithuan, Dr Murnizam, Mohd Nadzri, Dr Mohd Harun Abdullah, Dr Shahril and Dr Ismail with UMS senate members, senior lecturers and students who will receive their scrolls during the 16th UMS Convocation Day.