Wikipedia

Universiti Malaysia Sabah

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS; English: University of Malaysia Sabah) is a comprehensive public university in Malaysia.[1] It was officially established on 24 November 1994 as the ninth public university in the country. The university is located on a 999-acre site at Sepanggar Bay in Kota Kinabalu in the Malaysian state of Sabah. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Kinabalu and the South China Sea, UMS is widely regarded as one of Southeast Asia's most beautiful campuses.[2] Since 2022, UMS has been attracting many tourists, with Chinese and Korean visitors being among the most frequent, EcoCampus Visitor Information Centre (EVIC) played a key role by providing maps, trip advice, and bike rental services to enhance tourism experience on the campus.[3] 4 April 2025, a man's corpse was found hanging from a tree branch on the hillside leading to Kampung Kibagu, nearby UMS Kota Kinabalu campus.[4] One day later, UMS authorities have confirmed the incident on Facebook, highlighting no UMS students and staffs are involved, investigation ongoing afterwards. [5]

University of Malaysia Sabah
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (Malay)
沙巴大学 (Chinese)
MottoBertekad Cemerlang (Malay)
Jawi: برتيكد چمرلڠ‎
Motto in English
Strive to Excel
TypePublic comprehensive university
Established24 November 1994; 30 years ago (1994-11-24)
ChancellorHis Excellency the Governor of Sabah Tun Datuk Seri Panglima Hj. Musa Aman
Vice-ChancellorDatuk Professor Dr. Kasim Hj Mansor
Pro-ChancellorsDatuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor
Tan Sri Azman Hashim
Academic staff
1,056 (2020)
Students~70,000 (2022)
Undergraduates17,045 (2022)
Postgraduates942 (2022)
183 (2022)
Address
Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
,
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
,
Malaysia
CampusKota Kinabalu
Labuan
Sandakan
ColorsRed, blue and yellow
     
Websitewww.ums.edu.my

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) has faced serious water shortages since 2020 after COVID-19 pandemic, primarily due to insufficient supply from the Sabah State Water Department’s R13 tank and mismanagement.[6] On June 12, 2024, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim approved a RM3 million federal allocation to fund three groundwater drilling and treatment projects at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) to address the campus's ongoing water crisis.[7] On June 14, 2024, around 80 students from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and public staged a protest for Kami Mahu Air ("We Want Water") Sabah rally, marching 5km to Kinabalu Tower without a police permit and demanding to hand a six-point memorandum directly to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Despite Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya offering to receive the memorandum and police informing the students that Chief Minister would meet in the following week, the students refused and insisted on delivering the memorandum directly to Chief Minister.[8][9]

History

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19th century (1994 - 2000)

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In its early years of establishment, UMS operated from temporary borrowed facilities with the university's teaching and learning activities conducted at the Sabah Foundation Community College premises in Likas in 1995 and the Menggatal Telekom Training College in 1996. The initial UMS enrolment in 1995 was 205 students at undergraduate study level.[6][10]

From June 1999 to May 2000, UMS shifted in phases to its permanent campus at Sepanggar Bay. In January 1999, the university expanded its academic reach to the Federal Territory of Labuan with the establishment of the UMS Labuan International Campus (Malay: Universiti Malaysia Sabah Kampus Antarabangsa Labuan, abbreviated as UMSKAL).[11]

In the beginning, study programmes were offered by three schools - the School of Science and Technology, School of Business and Economics and School of Social Sciences – and the Centre for the Promotion of Knowledge and Language Learning, a liberal studies centre.[12][13]

20th century (2001 - now)

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The number was subsequently expanded to include nine additional schools at the Kota Kinabalu campus namely the School of Engineering and Information Technology, School of Food Science and Nutrition, School of International Tropical Forestry, School of Education and Social Development, School of Psychology and Social Works, and School of Arts Studies.[14]

In F.T. Labuan, programmes were offered through the Labuan School of Informatics Science and School of Business and International Finance. By 2002, UMS had established 11 programmes of study.[15]

In 2003, the number of schools was increased to 12 upon the setting up of the School of Medicine. This was followed by the establishment of the School of Sustainable Agriculture in 2006 which subsequently relocated five years later in 2011 to the UMS Sandakan Campus, its current location.[16]

Other notable initiatives were the establishment of Preparatory Centre for Science and Technology (PPST) in 2010 offering Foundation in Science Programme for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia high school graduates. PPST began accepting students for its first intake in May 2010 and originally placed under the supervision of the Faculty of Science and Natural Resources until 2013. [17] The launching of the UMS Hospital (HUMS) building project targeted for completion estimated on December 2025.[18][19] The hospital equipped with 400 beds, 25 operating rooms, 40 intensive care unit (ICU) beds, and 145 specialist clinics.[20]

2024 Water Supply Protests

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On 14 June 2024, around 80 students from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) led by Suara Mahasiswa UMS organized a protest, Kami Mahu Air ("We Want Water") to highlight ongoing water shortage crisis on campus, which they attributed to administrative negligence and possible corruption within the state government. Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor responded by stating that the situation differed from reports by the Sabah Water Department but assured that the state government would investigate,[21] while Deputy Chief Minister Shahelmey Yahya described the protest as "immature.".[22]

2024 Perhimpunan Aman Gempur Rasuah Sabah ("Peaceful Rally Against Corruption in Sabah")

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Students from Suara Mahasiswa protesting during Gempur Rasuah Sabah, anti-corruption rally[23]

On 31 December 2024, Suara Mahasiswa, a campus-political student movement from UMS, organized Perhimpunan Aman Gempur Rasuah Sabah ("Peaceful Rally Against Corruption in Sabah") in front of Kinabalu Tower. The rally was held to protest against corruption and abuse of power in the state government. Among Suara Mahasiswa UMS demands were the resignation of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and a rejection of the appointment of Tun Musa Aman as Yang di-Pertua Negeri due to past corruption allegations.[24] The organizers stated that the movement was non-partisan and urged the public to join in advocating for transparency, accountability, and democratic governance. The group also condemned a counter-rally titled Kami Bersama Hajiji ("We Be With Hajiji"), held at the same time and location, as a provocation intended to distract from the anti-corruption cause.[25]

2025 Perhimpunan Aman Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0 ("Peaceful Rally Against Corruption in Sabah 2.0")

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Burning caricature of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0, anti-corruption rally[26]

On 21–22 June 2025, Suara Mahasiswa UMS organized Perhimpunan Aman Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0, a student-led anti-corruption rally that began at Suria Sabah and ended with a sit-in at Lintasan Deasoka in Kota Kinabalu. The rally drew around 100 participants and called for improved governance and action on issues such as corruption and water shortages affecting UMS. A controversial moment occurred when students burned a caricature of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, prompting public backlash and police investigations under several laws including the Sedition Act.[27] UMS announced possible disciplinary action against 13 students, with two identified as directly involved in the burning, which the university strongly condemned. In response to criticism, some students defended their actions in Instagram and Tiktok as symbolic protest, referencing similar acts by Anwar during his own student activism in the 1970s. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim later urged UMS not to expel the students involved in the rally, emphasizing that students' future and opportunity to complete their studies should be prioritized. The message was conveyed by Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir acknowledging the right to assemble is protected under the Malaysian Constitution but should be exercised within the framework of existing laws and university regulations.[28]

Academic

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Teaching and learning

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Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) was established on 24 November 1994, becoming the ninth public institution of higher learning (IPTA) in Malaysia at that time. The university was officially formed under the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (Incorporation) Order 1994, and concurrently, the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (Campus) Order 1994 was issued to designate the university’s location and campus site. Both orders were gazetted on 30 October 1994 under the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 and came into effect on 24 November 1994.[29]

The establishment of the university aimed to produce a skilled and trained society to meet the demands for expertise in the fields of science, technology, and management, in line with national strategies and the global market.[30]

Vision

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To become an innovative university of international standing.[29]

(Original vision in Bahasa Malaysia: Menjadi sebuah universiti berinovatif yang bertaraf dunia.)

Mission

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To achieve academic excellence across various fields of knowledge in order to gain international recognition through teaching, learning, research, publication, and community service. The university also aims to balance specialized knowledge with the personal development of its students to produce high productivity and quality within the context of the environment and the aspirations of national and societal development.[29]

(Original mission in Bahasa Malaysia: Mencapai kecemerlangan ilmiah dalam pelbagai bidang ilmu untuk mencapai pengiktirafan antarabangsa menerusi pengajaran, pembelajaran, penyelidikan, penerbitan dan khidmat masyarakat serta untuk mencapai keseimbangan pengkhususan ilmu dan keperibadian pelajarnya untuk menghasilkan produktiviti dan kualiti yang tinggi dalam konteks persekitaran dan aspirasi pembangunan masyarakat dan negara.)

Motto

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"Determined to Excel"

Excellence in all activities will be the driving force and primary goal of UMS. The pinnacle of this determination is achieving internationally recognized accomplishments.[29]

(Original motto in Bahasa Malaysia: “Bertekad Cemerlang” Kecemerlangan dalam sebarang aktiviti akan menjadi pendorong dan sasaran utama kepada UMS. Mercu tekad ialah pencapaian yang akan diiktiraf di peringkat antarabangsa.)

Philosophy

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An education founded on the principle of belief in God and the development of a learned society that is progressive, disciplined, integrated, and balanced in terms of intellectual, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects—dedicated to contributing towards the well-being of society and the nation.[29]

(Original philosophy in Bahasa Malaysia: Pendidikan yang berteraskan prinsip kepercayaan kepada Tuhan dan pembinaan masyarakat terpelajar yang progresif, berdisiplin, bersepadu dan seimbang dari segi intelek, emosi, jasmani dan rohani untuk berbakti mencapai kesejahteraan masyarakat dan negara.)

Faculties

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In alignment with national vision to achieve developed nation status by the year 2020, UMS undertook academic transformation through the restructuring of its 13 existing schools into 12 faculties, 1 academy, and 4 centres of excellence, effective 1 June 2014. UMS currently offers 115 academic study programmes at pre-university foundation level (5), diploma level (2), undergraduate level (68), postgraduate masters level (69) and doctor of philosophy (PhD) level (34).[29] The university also maintained international collaborations within the ASEAN region, with Dr. Adi fahrudin from Indonesia serving as a visiting professor from 2015 to 2023.[31][32]

No. Faculties Fakulti (Bahasa Malaysia) Foundation Programmes Undergraduate Programmes Master Programmes Phd Programmes
1. Academy of Arts & Creative Technology Akademi Seni dan Teknologi Kreatif - 3 3 1
2. Faculty of Engineering Fakulti Kejuruteraan - 6 1 1
3. Labuan Faculty of International Finance Fakulti Kewangan Antarabangsa Labuan - 5 3 1
4. Faculty of Computing and Informatics Fakulti Komputeran dan Informatik - 5 2 2
5. Faculty of Islamic Studies Fakulti Pengajian Islam - 1 5 1
6. Faculty of Tropical Forestry Fakulti Perhutanan Tropika - 5 11 5
7. Faculty of Business, Economics and Accountancy Fakulti Perniagaan, Ekonomi dan Perakaunan - 10 4 1
8. Faculty of Sustainable Agriculture, Fakulti Pertanian Lestari - 3 9 2
9. Faculty of Medicine and Health Science Fakulti Perubatan dan Sains Kesihatan - 2 1 2
10. Faculty of Psychology and Education Fakulti Psikologi dan Pendidikan - 9 1 1
11. Faculty of Science and Technology Fakulti Sains dan Sumber Alam - 9 3 1
12. Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition Fakulti Sains Makanan dan Pemakanan - 4 8 4
13. Faculty of Social Science and Humanities Fakulti Sains Sosial dan Kemanusiaan - 6 6 4
14. Institute of Tropical Biology and Conservation Institut Biologi Tropika dan Pemuliharaan - - 4 2
15. Biology Research Institute Institut Penyelidikan Bioteknologi - - 1 1
16. Borneo Marine Research Institute Institut Penyelidikan Marin Borneo - - 4 3
17. Preparatory Centre for Science and Technology Pusat Persediaan Sains & Teknologi 5 - - -
18. Centre for the Promotion of Knowledge and Language Learning Pusat Penataran Ilmu dan Bahasa - - 3 2

Reputation and rankings

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University rankings
Universiti Malaysia Sabah
Global – Overall
QS World[33]1001-1200 (2025)
THE World[34]=1501 (2024)
USNWR Global[35]=1573 (2025)
Regional – Overall
QS Asia[36]243 (2025)
USNWR Asia[37]=595 (2025)

UMS consistently ranks top 20 in Malaysia. UMS received global recognitions and usually ranked 1000-1500th globally by QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education World University Rankings, US News and World Report University Ranking and many more since 2019 [1]

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  • Universiti Malaysia Sabah
  •  
    Main Gate
  •  
    Statue of 2020 Vision
  •  
    Chancellery Office
  •  
    Chancellery Office
  •  
    Museum
  •  
    Sports complex
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    Beach of Outdoor Development Centre (ODEC)
  •  
    Library
  •  
    Lecture Hall (Dewan Kuliah Pusat)
  •  
    2nd Lecture Hall (Dewan Kuliah Pusat Ke-2)
  •  
    Water front of 2nd Lecture Hall (Dewan Kuliah Pusat Ke-2)
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    2nd Lecture Hall (Dewan Kuliah Pusat Ke-2)
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    UMS mosque

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)". Times Higher Education (THE). 17 November 2022. Retrieved 11 November 2024.
  2. ^ "University of Malaysia Sabah UMS | Courses, Fees, Rankings, Admission in Study in Malaysia". Britannica Overseas Education. Archived from the original on 16 June 2025. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
  3. ^ UMS EVIC.
  4. ^ Post, Sabah (5 April 2025). "Mayat Lelaki Tergantung Ditemui Berhampiran UMS". Sabah Post. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  5. ^ UMS CORPSE.
  6. ^ a b "Universiti Malaysia Sabah: Three decades of excellence in Sabah's higher education". www.dailyexpress.com.my. 17 December 2024. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
  7. ^ ASMIN, ASYIKIN (31 May 2023). "PM lulus peruntukan RM3 juta bantu selesai isu air di UMS". Sinar Harian (in Malay). Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  8. ^ "UMS students hold protest over Sabah's water woes in front of Hajiji's office". The Star. 14 June 2024. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  9. ^ ASMIN, ASYIKIN (14 June 2024). "[VIDEO] Mahasiswa #KamiMahuAir Sabah enggan serah memorandum". Sinar Harian (in Malay). Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  10. ^ "Universiti Malaysia Sabah: Three decades of excellence in Sabah's higher education". www.dailyexpress.com.my. 17 December 2024. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
  11. ^ Anjumin, Ersie (1 November 2024). "UMS aims to be world leader in blue economy and maritime security research | New Straits Times". NST Online. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
  12. ^ "Universiti Malaysia Sabah has produced 91,915 graduates, says Vice-Chancellor". www.dailyexpress.com.my. 8 December 2024. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
  13. ^ Regional, N. S. T. (19 April 2024). "UMS expands student opportunities for industrial training at NDRC | New Straits Times". NST Online. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
  14. ^ Miwil, Olivia (18 September 2024). "UMS plays a pivotal role in helping Sabah's rural students | New Straits Times". NST Online. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
  15. ^ "UMS records most PhD graduates since 2003". The Star. 11 December 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
  16. ^ Doksil, Mariah (18 February 2025). "UMS leads future of research". Borneo Post Online. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
  17. ^ E BOOK PANDUAN PPST. 1 January 2021.
  18. ^ Bernama (18 September 2024). "UMS hospital project will improve medical training and services - Zambry". Malaysiakini. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
  19. ^ Inus, Kristy; Abdullah, Mohd Izham Unnip (2 March 2018). "New hospital, schools proof of gov't's commitment to upgrading Sabah infrastructure | New Straits Times". NST Online. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
  20. ^ ums_hospital_transform_healthcare_2024.
  21. ^ Miwil, Olivia (11 June 2024). "Sabah CM: UMS water cut only lasted a few days". New Straits Times.[page needed]
  22. ^ "UMS protesters immature, says Shahelmey". The Borneo Post. 15 June 2024.[page needed]
  23. ^ Twoenchilada (23 July 2025), English: Students from UMS Suara Mahasiswa rallying in front of Kinabalu Tower on 31st December, 2024., retrieved 31 July 2025
  24. ^ Malaysia Kini Gempur Rasuah.
  25. ^ Berita Sabah Perhimpunan Aman Gempur Rasuah.
  26. ^ Twoenchilada (1 June 2025), English: Students burned a caricature of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during Gempur Rasuah 2.0., retrieved 30 July 2025
  27. ^ Gempur Rasuah 2.0 The Star.
  28. ^ Gempur Rasuah 2.0.
  29. ^ a b c d e f UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SABAH. LAPORAN TAHUNAN UMS 2022.
  30. ^ UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SABAH. LAPORAN TAHUNAN UMS 2022.
  31. ^ "Editorial Team | Asian Social Work Journal". msocialwork.com. Retrieved 11 November 2024.
  32. ^ Doksil, Mariah (7 December 2024). "UMS graduates' marketability rate increased". Borneo Post Online. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
  33. ^ "Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)". Top Universities. QS Quacquarelli Symonds. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  34. ^ "Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)". Times Higher Education. Times Higher Education. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  35. ^ "Universiti Malaysia Sabah". U.S. News & World Report. U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  36. ^ "Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) – QS World University Rankings 2025". Top Universities. QS Quacquarelli Symonds. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  37. ^ "Universiti Malaysia Sabah". U.S. News & World Report. U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
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