KOTA KINABALU: A total of 535 students have been offered to pursue postgraduate programmes in Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Masters in research and coursework at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) for Semester 2, 2018/2019.
Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Prof Dr Arsiah Bahron, said as of Feb 11, some 305 students have registered since registration opened on Feb 9, and the number is expected to increase before the registration deadline on Feb 28.
Arsiah said among those who have enrolled are 88 PhD students and 112 undergraduate students for research modes, while 105 others are UMS Centre for External (Plums) undergraduates pursuing master’s degree studies in coursework.
“This time around, the list of foreign students is 35 students from China, Brunei, Indonesia and Bangladesh,” said Arsiah when met at the registration session held at the Dewan Kuliah Pusat Ke-2, here, Tuesday.
Arsiah said UMS will continue to promote lifelong learning through the postgraduate programme.
She said programmes offered by UMS could be one of the backbone for the working group who want to improve their career excellence.
“This is evident when there are UMS postgraduate alumni who have earned better positions compared to when before pursuing postgraduate studies whether in the field of doctorate or undergraduate studies.
“The increase in the number of foreign students pursuing doctorate programme is also an indication that PhD programmes in UMS is relevant and in demand,” she added.
On that same note, Deputy Dean of Academic and International School of Postgraduate Studies, Associate Prof Dr Fauziah Sulaiman also viewed the increase in foreign students in the PhD programme as a recognition from the international student community to the system of study conducted by UMS.
“Acknowledgement should also be given to the Global International Centre for Internationalisation and Engagement, as well as faculties, centres and institutes involved in promoting postgraduate studies at UMS,” she said.
Meanwhile, Student Welfare Deputy Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Dr Azaze @ Azizi Abdul Abis informed that UMS also offers aid scheme as funds to ease student’s financial burden.
“There are several application conditions that must be fulfilled by interested students and it is based on the available provisions.
“Among them are students applying must be full-time postgraduate students in research modes and are able to meet the main objective of the scheme which is to complete their studies within a specific period of time,” he said.
The registration session also witnessed the presence of UMS Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International) Prof. Dr Rasid Mail who spent time mingling with the new students.
When met, he expressed satisfaction and stated that meeting and interacting with this group of matured students always provide a unique and valuable experience.
“I can see that they have a reason which gives them strength and encouragement to continue their studies at undergraduate and PhD levels.
“Their enthusiasm also inspires me to take on the responsibility entrusted to me as Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic and International,” said Rasid who is also a former Dean of the UMS Postgraduate Studies Centre.
Also present were Plums Director, Associate Professor Dr Stephen Laison Sondoh and Deputy Registrar of the UMS Postgraduate Studies Centre, Sirahim Abdullah.
