UMPSA celebrates students’ excellence in 2024 Mercu Sanjung Awards Night

GAMBANG, 16 April 2025 – Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) continues to reinforce its commitment to producing holistic and competitive students as 28 recipients were honoured at the 2024 Mercu Sanjung Awards Night (MARS) held at the UMPSA Gambang Campus Sports Complex Hall.

Present at the ceremony were the Chairman of the UMPSA Board of Directors, Dato’ Seri Abdul Razak Jaafar, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Yatimah Alias, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs & Alumni), Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Rusllim Mohamed.

Also in attendance were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International Affairs), Professor Dato’ Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Ziad Sulaiman, Registrar, Dato’ Saiful Bahri Ahmad Bakarim, as well as members of the management and heads of departments.

According to Professor Dr. Yatimah, the organisation of MARS serves as a significant platform to appreciate and recognise students who demonstrate outstanding achievements holistically—not only in academics but also in leadership, innovation, sports, culture, entrepreneurship, volunteerism, and more.

“I am proud to be part of this event, which not only celebrates student achievement but also reflects a culture of excellence and recognition of student potential as demonstrated through their active involvement in various character and leadership development programmes throughout the past year.

“Students today are provided with opportunities to shape their identity, sharpen their potential, and showcase creativity through various channels—from clubs and associations to community engagement programmes and student entrepreneurship projects,” she said.

Even more impressive, some have established student-run companies and generated income through campus facilities—proving UMPSA students’ capabilities to be self-reliant and contribute directly to the campus ecosystem.

She also highlighted how students are beginning to explore new frontiers such as automotive technology innovation, e-sports, drones, data analytics, and sustainable development.

The event also recognised students who successfully balanced academic performance with extracurricular involvement, in line with the Malaysia Education Blueprint (Higher Education) 2015–2025 and the Ministry of Higher Education’s Strategic Agenda, including the empowerment of TVET and the development of social innovation, while addressing the university’s key priorities through the Vice-Chancellor’s Transformation Agenda 2025.

She noted that among the key initiatives being championed were the offering of competitive academic programmes, mastery of the English language, dual degree programmes, and the development of a smart and green campus ecosystem.

“UMPSA is also committed to producing students with the A.D.A.B. spirit—Agile, Dynamic, Aspire, and Balanced—who are capable of leading ethically and with vision,” she added.

She also extended appreciation to lecturers, club advisors, coaches, and the entire university community for their dedication to guiding students to achieve success.

The event also saw Nurhaiqal Faqrur Islam Norashid crowned as the Arts and Heritage Icon, and he also won the UMPSA Mercu Sanjung Award (Individual Category), receiving a challenge trophy, a trophy, a certificate, and RM1,000 in cash.

The UMPSA Mercu Sanjung Award (Team Category) was awarded to the T-REX Recreation Club, which also took home a challenge trophy, a trophy, a certificate, and RM1,000 in cash.

More than 1,000 students attended the ceremony, which was further enlivened by student performances under the UMPSA Cultural Centre.

By: Naqiah Puaad, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Dr. Rozaimi Abu Samah, UMPSA Press