UMS: More entries for research, innovation contest

KOTA KINABALU, Apr 6 (Daily Express) -- The Research and Innovation 2010 (Pereka 2010) competition this year has attracted 155 researches and 89 innovations in nine categories, an increase of 18pc from last year.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Seri Dr Kamaruzaman Ampon, said the increase in participation depicts a good picture of its effort to inculcate research and innovation among lecturers and students.

He said it is in line with the UMS goal to be known as a top research university in the region.

"It is also in line with the Malaysia Innovative Programme 2010 launched by the Prime Minister (recently)," he said at the officiating of the Pereka 2010 by Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus J. Ongkili, here, Monday.

Beginning 2006 until last year, he said a total of 262 lecturers from UMS have been actively involved as research heads to oversee 373 research projects at a cost of RM29 million.

Last year, he said the UMS received research grants worth RM1.7 million from Mosti under the science fund.

He said the university also received RMN3.8 million from domestic and international sources.

According to him, a large section of the Pereka 2010 participation this year is from the results of these research projects.

He hoped the competition would unearth research and innovation results that have significant impact towards the development of the nation's socio-economy.

Research and innovation that won Pereka awards, he said would be chosen to compete at the national and international levels.

Last year, Dr Kamaruzaman said the UMS won six gold, 13 silver and 23 bronze medals at national level and three gold, four silver and eight bronze medals at international level.

"Research cooperation with domestic and international institutions is among UMS' strategy to enhance the quality and relevance of its researches," he said.

On other developments, he urged UMS citizens to accept the call from the government to develop the nation's science, technology and innovation to a new level.