Faqrur receives UMPSA 2024 Mercu Sanjung Award, elevates dignity of arts and cultural heritage

GAMBANG, 16 April 2025 – The name of Nurhaiqal Faqrur Islam Norashid is now proudly etched in the history of Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) as he was announced the recipient of the UMPSA 2024 Mercu Sanjung Award during the recent glittering 2024 Mercu Sanjung Awards Night (MARS) held at the UMPSA Sports Complex Hall.

Even more meaningfully, he was also awarded the Arts and Heritage Icon Award.

Faqrur is the second of eight siblings and he was born at Mentakab Hospital, Pahang, and raised in Felda Jengka 5.

He began his education at Sekolah Kebangsaan LKTP Jengka 5, before continuing at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Jengka 6, the Pahang Matriculation College, and subsequently pursuing his studies at UMPSA in the Bachelor of Occupational Safety and Health with Honours programme.

Serving as the President of the Pencak Silat Club Srikala Satria UMPSA (SRIKALA) for the 2024/2025 session, Faqrur is also an active athlete in the men’s individual artistic silat category, representing the university in MASUM and SUKIPT tournaments.

In addition, he is actively involved with the Civil Defence Student Corps (SISPA) UMPSA.

He admitted that he was genuinely surprised when his name was announced as the recipient of the award.

“I was deeply moved and overjoyed, especially for achieving such a memorable milestone on this glittering night.

“Thank you, UMPSA, for this honour.

“I was also very excited to meet the Chairman of the University Board of Directors, Dato’ Seri Abdul Razak Jaafar, and the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Yatimah Alias, immediately after receiving the award,” he shared.

He added that he had never expected to be nominated, let alone to win, as his sole intention that night was simply to celebrate the achievements of his fellow comrades.

Throughout his time at UMPSA, Faqrur has made significant contributions in the fields of arts and sports.

He was among the pioneers who introduced the traditional music of Gendang Pahang to UMPSA students through the establishment of the UMPSA drum ensemble, which now actively performs at various official university events.

In sports, his proud achievements include winning a bronze medal at the MASUM 2024 and SUKIPT 2024 tournaments, as well as a slver medal at the Malaysia Varsity Silat International Championship (MAVSIC).

Even more remarkably, his victory at MAVSIC saw Faqrur defeating a national elite representative from Thailand, making him the first UMPSA athlete to contribute a medal in the artistic silat category at the international level.

When asked about the main driving force behind his achievements, Faqrur shared that his parents’ prayers were his greatest source of strength.

“They never stopped giving advice and support in everything I do.

“Although they may seem ordinary in the eyes of the world, they are extraordinary in our family’s hearts,” he said.

Faqrur also spoke about his biggest challenge—balancing academic commitments with co-curricular activities.

He sacrificed his semester breaks for intensive training sessions ahead of tournaments but still managed to maintain excellent academic performance.

The most meaningful experience for him was receiving guidance from the advisor and coach of the SRIKALA Club, who greatly helped him in strengthening the traditional cultural heritage and developing silat athletes at UMPSA.

As a student icon, Faqrur advised UMPSA students to never be afraid to try something new.

He encouraged them to bravely embrace challenges.

“Every good intention will surely be aided by Allah SWT.

“Patience is key, and insya-Allah, everything will be eased,” he said.

Faqrur harbours a strong aspiration to continue contributing to society in the fields of culture and the arts, ensuring that cultural heritage remains preserved and cherished by future generations.

For him, the Mercu Sanjung Award is not merely a trophy or an accolade, but a symbol of recognition for the efforts and sacrifices made by students in glorifying the university’s name and contributing to the community.

Summarising his journey in one sentence, Faqrur said that sincerity in every action can turn even the smallest deeds into deeds of great value.

May this inspirational story ignite the spirit of the entire UMPSA community to continue achieving success in all fields.

By: Naqiah Puaad, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Dr Rozaimi Abu Samah, UMPSA Press