KUALA NERUS, 14 August 2025 – Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) made history today by launching the UMT Merdeka Kayak Expedition 2025, a first-of-its-kind water sports initiative aimed at fostering patriotism among students in conjunction with the 68th National Month celebration.

The expedition was officially launched by UMT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Prof. Dr. Mohd Izani Mohd Zain, at UMT Beach.

The event drew around 40 participants, comprising UMT students and rowing athletes. The expedition covered a distance of approximately 22 kilometres from UMT Beach to Pulau Bidong.

It is among the first Merdeka kayak expeditions organised by the university, combining elements of physical endurance, kayaking skills, and camaraderie.

According to Prof. Dr. Mohd Izani, the expedition serves not only as a platform to build participants’ mental and physical strength but also as a means to instil pride and love for the nation.

“This expedition is a symbol of UMT’s commitment, especially among students, to appreciate the true meaning of independence. Besides testing endurance and teamwork, it offers a genuine experience of patriotism and love for the homeland,” he said when officiating the programme.

He added that the choice of Pulau Bidong as the finishing point is significant not only due to the challenges of open-sea kayaking but also because of the island’s historical and cultural heritage.

The UMT Merdeka Kayak Expedition 2025 was coordinated by the UMT Sports and Recreation Centre with the collaboration of various parties to ensure participants’ safety and smooth progress.

The programme stands as a symbolic unification of the fighting spirit of the university’s young generation in facing challenges to proudly uphold the banner of independence, in line with the theme of the 68th National Day celebration.