UMPSA achieves Mission of Flying the Jalur Gemilang and its flag at the summit of Mount Kinabalu

KOTA KINABALU, 19 September 2023 - The climbing team from Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) successfully reached the summit of Mount Kinabalu to accomplish their mission of conquering the highest peak in Southeast Asia, recently at 6.30 a.m.

The nearly 24-hour climb to the peak of the mountain (Low's Peak) culminated in the hoisting of three flags: the Jalur Gemilang (Malaysian flag), the flag of Pahang State, and the UMPSA flag, in conjunction with Malaysia's 60th Independence Day and UMPSA's 21st Anniversary.

The climbing group, led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Russlim Mohamed, safely arrived at the Timpohon Gate at 2.00 p.m.

Other climbers included UMPSA students Muhammad Daniyal Burkhanuddin, Munirah Mahadir, Muvieanraj Anantakumar, Yap Wan Er, and Muhammad Hanif Sufian Hazman. 

Also present were the Trustee of the UMP Foundation, Dato' Ts. Izwan Hasli Mohd Ibrahim, and UMPSA alumni, Mohamad Azrul Adnan.

Their arrival was greeted by UMPSA's Registrar/Chief Operating Officer, Dato’ Saiful Bahri Ahmad Bakarim, UMPSA's Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer, Dato’ Zainudin Othman, and the Director of the Sports and Culture Centre, Aznorizamin Ismail.

According to Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Russlim Mohamed, this climb was a first-time experience for most of the climbers, but their spirit of perseverance and high resilience enabled them to conquer Mount Kinabalu.

"We had to face various challenges, including heavy rain, steep and high terrain, and extremely low temperatures.

"This expedition was a unique climbing experience for us, as it allowed us to bring the university's name to the summit, aligning with the university's agenda to strengthen and enhance UMPSA's brand visibility at the national and global levels," he said.

Meanwhile, UMPSA's Chairman of the Board of Directors, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahman, extended his heartfelt congratulations to all the climbers who successfully completed this expedition.

"This mountain climbing mission, at an altitude of 4,095 meters, is in conjunction with National Month and Malaysia Day this year.

"However, it holds even more significance as it is UMPSA's first mission after the university's rebranding on July 30, thus making history for the university," he said.

As for UMPSA's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin, this achievement will undoubtedly inspire the university community to preserve excellence in the future.

"Furthermore, this year's climbing expedition is the third mission after successfully conquering the summit in 2012 and 2017," he added.

By: Nur Aaina Adhreena Muhamad Shukri, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Aminatul Nor Mohamed Said, UMP Career Centre (UMPCC)