Borneo Tourism Research Centre FBEA UMS

🌾 Happy Kaamatan & Gawai from BTRC 🌾
Wishing all our staff, students, and friends a joyful harvest celebration. May this festive season bring abundance, happiness, and peace to your homes.

Dragon...boats :-) Tomorrow and Sunday...sana di Likas Bay

Ready for an adrenaline-fuelled weekend?

From 15-17 May, the 11th Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race takes over the waters of Likas Bay. From heart-pounding races to the ultimate sunset celebration, this is the coastal energy you don’t want to miss!

Legend has it that these high-energy boat races and the tradition of sharing Zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) began centuries ago as a way to honour a great hero and ward off bad luck.
Today, we keep that vibrant heritage alive right here in the heart of Kota Kinabalu.

Venue: Likas Bay, Kota Kinabalu

Birding Photography Course @ UMS Campus Successfully Conducted! 🌿✨

The Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ITBC), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), congratulates the Borneo Tourism Research Centre (BTRC), Faculty of Business, Economics and Accountancy, on the successful organisation of the Birding Photography Course @ UMS Campus held on 9 May 2026 in conjunction with Global Big Day 2026. Co-organised with ITBC and the Sabah Birdwatchers Association, the programme successfully brought together birdwatchers, photographers, students, researchers, and nature enthusiasts in a meaningful platform that celebrated biodiversity conservation through photography, education, and citizen science. Participants were inspired by sharing sessions from Sony Alpha Guru, Ahmad Zaki Bin Abu Bakar, who highlighted the art and impact of wildlife photography in promoting environmental appreciation and conservation awareness. 📷🐦

The programme was further enriched by an insightful avian talk delivered by ITBC’s ornithologist, Dr. Muhammad Syafiq Yahya, who shared on bird behaviour, conservation, and the current status of bird diversity in Sabah and Borneo. His session highlighted the ecological importance of birds and the urgent need to strengthen conservation efforts amid increasing environmental pressures and habitat challenges. The programme reflects the power of collaboration in connecting science, conservation, ecotourism, and public engagement towards protecting Borneo’s extraordinary natural heritage for future generations. 🌏✨

Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17Q5jpgdNE/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Borneo Tourism Research Centre FBEA UMS
Faculty of Business, Economics & Accountancy UMS

UMS successfully hosted a one day Birding Photography Course in collaboration with Sabah Birdwatchers Association supported by SONY in conjunction with Global BIG Day 2026. The course was jointly organised by two UMS giants, BTRC and ITBC Institut Biologi Tropika dan Pemuliharaan to provide an avenue for birders to experience the beauty of birding through a combination of knowledge, techniques and a SONY camera.

Level up your photography game this May! 📸🐦 Join us for a one-day Birding Photography Course at UMS, featuring expert insights from a Sony Alpha Guru.
Whether you're a student or a hobbyist, this is your chance to capture the beauty of Sabah’s wildlife like a pro.

• 📅 Date: 9th May 2026 (Saturday)
• 📍 Venue: UMS Campus
• 💰 Fee: RM100 (Public) / RM60 (Students) — Includes meals!

📲 Scan the QR code in the image below for full details and to secure your spot!

You’re Invited: QRAM 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2026

Dear Respected QRAM Members,
We are pleased to invite you to the 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Qualitative Research Association of Malaysia (QRAM).

🗓 Date: Saturday, 25th April 2026
🕥 Time: 10.15 AM – 12.30 PM
💻 Platform: Zoom

✨ Important Note:
As this is an election year, the current EXCO (2024–2026) will be dissolved to make way for the new EXCO 2026–2028. Members are encouraged to submit nominations for the new committee. Eligible nominations will be put to a vote during the AGM.

🔗 Register for AGM & Nominate Candidates:
https://forms.gle/JX2NiHUaQtPWC4fAA

Pre-AGM Forum
“AI in Social and Qualitative Research: Where do we draw the line?”

Featuring:
🔹 Dr. Chong Su Li (UTP, QRAM President)
🔹 Dr. Bemen Wong Win Keong (UNIMAS)
🔹 AP Dr. Balvinder Kaur Kler (UMS)
🎙 Moderator: Datin Dr. Ng Soo Boon (SEGi University)

⏳ Deadline for Registration & Nominations:
Thursday, 23rd April 2026, 5.00 PM

📩 For AGM agenda items, please email: [email protected]
(at least 14 days prior).
📞 WhatsApp enquiries: 013-4310043

Your participation is highly valued as we shape the future of QRAM together. We look forward to your presence!

Wishing you a blessed Easter Sunday.

Salam Eid Mubarak and Selamat Hari Raya to everyone celebrating! BTRC extends its warmest Eid al-Fitr greetings to all. In the spirit of love, peace, and community, May your celebration be filled with joy, connection, and moments that light up your sky. Wishing you a blessed and meaningful holiday!

Tahniah dan Syabas! 🎉

Dekan dan seluruh warga Fakulti Perniagaan, Ekonomi & Perakaunan (FPEP), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) merakamkan setinggi-tinggi tahniah kepada Borneo Tourism Research Centre di bawah pimpinan Prof. Madya Dr. Balvinder Kaur Kler atas pencapaian membanggakan sebagai penerima Gold Award – Sabah Tourism Champion (Partnership Award) dalam 13th Sabah Tourism Awards 2025.

Semoga kejayaan ini terus mengharumkan nama universiti serta memperkukuh kecemerlangan penyelidikan dalam industri pelancongan.

Syabas dan tahniah! 🌟