by Wan Muhammad Khairi Wan Zamzuri, Student Affairs and Alumni Division (HEPA)

The Student Affairs and Alumni Division (HEPA) of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu through the Centre for Sports and Recreation (PSR) and Centre for Culture and Arts (PBS) in collaboration with Yayasan Perkasa Siswa (YPS) organized two programmes in conjunction with the Independence Month celebration, namely the UMT Merdeka Kayak Expedition 2025 and the Bicara Semarak Merdeka with the theme “Malaysia MADANI, Rakyat Disantuni.” Both programmes were intended to foster the spirit of patriotism, strengthen unity, and increase the awareness of environmental sustainability among students and the community.

The UMT Merdeka Kayak Expedition 2025 (14-16 August) at Pulau Bidong brought together 40 students from UMT, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, and Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin. Participants faced the challenge of paddling 22 kilometres from INOS Beach, UMT, to Pasir Tenggara Beach, Pulau Bidong, with an estimated paddling time of six hours. They were accompanied by five escort boats from the Sailing Training Centre, the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia, and the University Health Centre. Each institution was also represented by its accompanying officers.

For safety and preparation, participants attended a two-day Basic Kayaking Clinic. It covered kayaking techniques, safety aspects, and water confidence training. At Pulau Bidong, participants participated in water confidence, snorkeling, basic survival training, and knowledge-sharing sessions on environmental sustainability.

The Semarak Merdeka Forum (14 August) at Dewan Sultan Mizan featured Muhammad Izuan Faiz Abdul Rahman (Officer to the Minister of Defence), Mr. Suhail Mohamed Kamaruddin (Managing Director of Smart Management Enterprise), Ms. Hegganthini a/p Parameswaran (Foundation in STEM student and UMT debater), and Associate Professor Dr. Maizah Mohd Abdullah (Lecturer at the Faculty of Science and Marine Environment and Associate Fellow of HEPA in the field of Public Speaking).

The forum was moderated by Muhammad Afiq Naquiddin Mohd Afizal, Executive Committee Member for Volunteering and Leadership of UMT Student Representative Council. The discussion touched on the role of various parties in upholding the values of Malaysia MADANI. Aspects discussed were the balance between national security and the well-being of the people, the implementation of corporate social

responsibility (CSR) programmes that directly benefit the community, the contribution of students to society through volunteerism and knowledge-sharing, and empowering the spirit of independence through research, innovation and community projects.

UMT Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) Professor Dr. Mohd Izani Mohd Zain said both programmes reflected UMT’s holistic approach in producing the Ideal Student who embodies the traits of Intellectual, Dedicated Service, and Peace & Environment.

“The expedition builds physical and mental resilience, while the forum strengthens critical thinking, civic awareness, and patriotic spirit. This combination is aligned with the core values of Malaysia MADANI, such as well-being, compassion, respect, and sustainability which guide UMT in shaping excellent graduates,” he explained.