PROFESSOR MADYA DR. SABARIAH BTE SHARIF

DEAN OF FACULTY PSYCHOLOGY AND EDUCATION (FPP)

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MESSAGE FROM DEAN OF FACULTY PSYCHOLOGY AND EDUCATION (FPP)

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh, I am pleased to extend you a warm welcome to Universiti Malaysia Sabah and Faculty of Psychology and Education. We hope to guide you through a rich and transformative journey where you will grow personally, academically and socially on the road to becoming major contributors to our society. As we know, alcohol and drug addiction impact are the main source of ongoing concern for our government, is increasingly becoming a worldwide trend in lifestyle that is prevalent in rich and poor countries alike. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service’s Administration (2013) National Survey on Drug Use and Health External, it was an estimated 21.6 million persons aged 12 and above are classified with substance abuse, including illicit drugs and alcohol. Therefore, substance abuse services in term of psychology and counselling is a need for this nation that is increasing with health care reforms and societal changes. Despite numerous advances in the health and human services fields, we are struggling to address how alcohol and other drugs negatively impact society and community life at global level. Education and awareness of alcohol and other drug use on both an individual and institutional level are essential to addressing these problems. Treatment for drug and alcohol abuse is an area of care that continues to grow.  Universiti Malaysia Sabah offers Master of Counseling Psychology (Drug Abuse) and Postgraduate Diploma in Drug Abuse in response to the lack of trained professionals to address the substance abuse crisis. Universiti Malaysia Sabah has been preparing professionals for this important field since 2010, and today the programme is stronger than ever. The Specialty Programme in Alcohol and Drug Abuse (SPADA) at UMS continues to be a leader in the education of personnel in a variety of positions in alcohol and substance abuse treatment. The main aims of the SPADA programme to produce expert in the areas of prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and aftercare, as well as management of related services. This programme is designed to provide personnel with the necessary knowledge and skills to handle administration, education, prevention and treatment of substance abuse programmes.  On behalf of the Faculty of Psychology and Education, I am pleased to welcome you to the SPADA programme. It is my sincere belief and hope that you will find your time here richly rewarding, both during your enrolment with us and, retrospectively, as alumni entering the workforce or continuing to pursue your educational goals.