More than 1,500 attend RTM's Malaysia Aspiration Tour and UMPSA's Independence Day Celebration

GAMBANG, 31 August 2024 – More than 1,500 people attended the RTM Malaysia Aspiration Tour and the Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) Independence Night Celebration recently at the UMPSA Mini Stadium, Gambang Campus.

The event was officiated by Member of Parliament for Paya Besar, Dato' Indera Mohd Shahar Abdullah, and witnessed by UMPSA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin.

The programme, held for the first time, included a variety of exciting activities such as the Larian Ambang Merdeka (Ambang Merdeka Run), aerobics, patriotic singing performances, Pahang drums and silat, Chinese drums, Indian dances, Kadazan dances, poetry recitals, speeches, an independence quiz, and performances by guest artists Ezra Kairo, Dahlia Farhana, and DJ Anna from Pahang FM.

The Ambang Merdeka Run, organized by UMPSA, saw more than 500 participants running a distance of five kilometers. 

The participants consisted of students, UMPSA staff, and local residents. The run was launched by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dato' Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin.

A total of 100 Merdeka children (children born on Independence Day) attended and celebrated that night, with the event being recorded in the Malaysia Book of Records for the largest gathering of Merdeka children nationwide.

Adabi Kuantan Sdn. Bhd., the main sponsor of the dinner, also organized a Coffee Pulling (Kopi Tarik) Competition and held a warehouse sale, attracting significant attention from visitors. The company provided 1,500 food packs to attendees.

Additionally, 100 UMPSA volunteers, along with staff from the Pahang State Forestry Department and UMPSA Holdings Sdn. Bhd., organized a mission to plant 67 trees around the UMPSA Gambang Campus as a symbol of the 67th year of independence. 

Among the trees planted were Buchida, Kelat Jambu Laut, Merawan Penak, and Hujan-hujan.

During the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin, received the 67th sapling, donated by the Pahang State Forestry Department, in the presence of Member of Parliament for Paya Besar, Dato' Indera Mohd Shahar Abdullah.

According to Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin, this year marks the 67th National Day of Malaysia.

"With the theme 'Malaysia Madani: Jiwa Merdeka', it symbolizes holistic unity, emphasizing the importance of achieving true independence in our souls and fostering a civilized society.

"I would like to remind the students and attendees that true independence is the freedom of our minds and souls, nurtured through self-empowerment, which is formed by four main pillars: religion, language, education, and morals.

"We also need to remember that independence is not only about freedom from external limitations, but also about freeing ourselves from the limitations we place on our own potential. We have the freedom to achieve our dreams, but we must also understand the boundaries of that freedom," he said.

In his opening speech, Member of Parliament for Paya Besar, Dato' Indera Mohd Shahar Abdullah, reiterated that this year’s theme 'Jiwa Merdeka' means that freedom is not just about liberation from colonialism but also includes freedom of the soul, freedom of thought, and the freedom to achieve our best in life.

"Jiwa Merdeka describes a spirit free from the shackles of fear and ignorance, and as Malaysians, we are responsible for ensuring that this spirit continues to grow within us," he said.

Dato' Indera Mohd Shahar Abdullah also advised students, who are the backbone of the country's future, to appreciate the true meaning of independence, not just in words but also through actions.

Also present at the event were the Director of Broadcasting, Pahang State Broadcasting Department, Tuan Haji Ariffin Awang; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student and Alumni Affairs), Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Rusllim Mohamed; and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International Affairs), Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Ziad Sulaiman.

Throughout this month of independence, UMPSA's Digital Technology Centre (DiTEC) is also fostering the spirit of independence by organizing several programmes, such as the Sustainability Programme to collect recyclables and Go Green Day.

By: Naqiah Puaad, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Aminatul Nor Mohamed Said, UMPSA Career Centre (UMPSACC)