The mace is the key symbol of the University. Its spherical head carved with the national crest from the Jalur Gemilang (the national flag) shows that the University, as a higher learning institution, promotes the nation’s mission to continue to provide education for its people. An Arabic version of the legend ‘University Malaysia Sabah’ is engraved on top of the ring, which acts as the foundation of the mace.

The mace’s pentagon-shaped body, legged and supported on a base, is decorated with symbols of other Malaysian states and the Universiti Malaysia Sabah logo. In addition, flowers of national significance, namely the Hibiscus and the Rafflesia, are carved underneath the UMS logo. Local folk art symbols, namely the pucuk rebung or bamboo shoot, geometry and rice are on the base of the mace. The nine stalks of rice stamped on the mace indicate that UMS is the ninth university to be formed in Malaysia.

The lower part of the mace - the leg - is carved with small, ringed twigs signifying the statutes, Acts and regulations that give direction, as well as management ethics, administration and education. The spiral-betel leaves carved on the mace represent the unified schools, centres, institutions and units of the university, while also highlighting the dynamic nature of the programmes on offer.

In addition, the earth symbol carved on the mace indicates scientific and technological advancement in support of the university’s highest goals. On top of this symbol, there are five pointers representing the concentrated power of knowledge, with each pointer symbolizing a different quality needed to guide one to educational success, namely faith, piety, honesty, sincerity, and determination.