JOURNALIST APPOINTED UMS ACADEMIC ASSOCIATE MEMBER

SANDAKAN (Malaysia), Feb 23 (Bernama) -- Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)
School of Sustainable Agriculture has appointed Sabah Journalists Association
president Joniston Bangkuai as one of its academic associate members.

Six other members appointed are Malaysian Palm Oil Council CEO Dr
Mohd Yusof Basiron, Veterinary Services Department former director-general Dr
Ahmad Mustaffa Babjee, Mardi director-general Dr Abdul Shukor Abdul
Rahman, Agrobank CEO Martini Osman, UMS director Dr Beatrice Beth
Baikan and Universiti Putra Malaysia's Dean of the Agriculture Faculty Prof Dr
Ghizan Salleh.

The names were announced by UMS' Dean of the School of Sustainable
Agriculture Prof Dr Ridzwan Abdul Rahman at dinner in conjunction with the
launch of the construction of the UMS Sandakan campus here Sunday night.

In his speech, UMS vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kamaruzaman Ampon said UMS
would appoint academic associates in other faculties to forge closer relations
with experts and industry players as it would enhance its teaching, learning and
training.

Joniston, when contacted, described the appointment as a heavy
responsibility due to the emphasis given by the government to the agriculture
sector and a recognition to journalists' contribution to the state agricultural
development.

"It also reflects the close cooperation between UMS and the media. We hope
more journalists would be given the opportunity to contribute to the development
of the state not only through their profession but also in other capacities," he
added.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (English: University of Malaysia, Sabah) or UMS is
the ninth Malaysian public university located in Kota Kinabalu, the capital city
of East Malaysia Sabah-state, Malaysia

-- BERNAMA