LABUAN — Universiti Malaysia Sabah Labuan International Campus (UMSKAL) has strengthened its digital infrastructure through a Wi-Fi upgrade project while continuing initiatives to support student welfare and the well-being of its campus community.
The Wi-Fi Coverage Improvement Project in Public University Buildings, known as MCMC IPTA3, was fully funded by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) under the Universal Service Provision (USP) initiative.
The project aims to improve wireless internet coverage and connectivity quality across the campus through Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 technologies.
The upgrade covers strategic locations, including Menara Building, the Main Lecture Hall, the cafeteria, and Alpha and Beta residential colleges, with a total of 1,580 Wi-Fi access points installed.
UMSKAL director Prof Dr Shamsul Bahari Shamsudin expressed appreciation to the contractor for completing the project on Aug 24, 2026, about 30 days ahead of schedule.
“The upgraded facilities were expected to improve students’ internet access on campus and support teaching and learning activities,” he said.
Meanwhile, UMS Digital Department director Effendy Hadis said the upgraded network would support academic activities that increasingly rely on digital technology, while continuous monitoring was necessary to ensure optimal network performance.
In a separate initiative to support student welfare, UMSKAL has introduced Dapur Siswa Madani (DSM) at Alpha Residential College to assist students who face difficulties affording daily meals.
UMS Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) Prof Dr Raman Noordin said the university remained committed to safeguarding students’ welfare, including by providing kitchen facilities, particularly for female students at the residential college.
He said temporary facilities would be provided as soon as possible, while a location for a similar kitchen for male students had been identified, with operations expected to begin within a month.
“Dapur Siswa Madani is an initiative introduced by the Higher Education Ministry for university students,” he said at the symbolic launch of the facility on Thursday.
Shamsul Bahari said the initiative would help students who could not afford to purchase meals every day and urged them to make full use of the facilities without disrupting their studies.
“The safety, health and welfare of our students will always remain UMSKAL’s priority,” he said.
At the ceremony, Raman presented appointment letters to members of the DSM committee, who also received training on healthy nutrition and safe food handling to ensure hygiene, food safety and quality.
Separately, the UMSKAL Finance Division organised a Yasin recital and prayer ceremony for accountant Noradiana Ibrahim, who was preparing to begin her maternity leave.
The ceremony, held at the Finance Division meeting room today, was led by Islamic Affairs Officer Ustaz Alfaiz Darsono.
Organising chairperson and assistant accountant Ruby Zawati Timbang expressed hope that the prayers would bring blessings, good health and ease in Noradiana’s affairs.
“May this ceremony bring blessings and well-being, and may all our affairs be made easier,” she said.
The event was attended by staff from the Finance Division and Academic Services Sector, reflecting the support and camaraderie among UMSKAL personnel.
