IN today’s fast-paced world, it is easy for anyone, including the young, to get caught up in daily responsibilities.
Yet values such as togetherness, resilience and harmony in diversity need to be brought to the fore and celebrated.
With National Day on Aug 31 and Malaysia Day on Sept 16, Unitar International University recently brought together over 1,000 students from 25 of its locations nationwide for the Unitar Olympics 2025.
From track and field to football, netball, e-sports and traditional games, youths from across Malaysia came together to showcase their talents.
But more than a sporting competition, the event – held at Kompleks Belia dan Sukan in Penang from Aug 28 to 29 – was a celebration of the values that define Malaysia.
Unitar College Kuala Terengganu Diploma in E-Secretaryship student Nur Kyra Adriana Mohd Riduan described the event as a “true patriotic moment celebrating our friendship and unity together”.
“I have never felt more connected to my fellow Malaysians. Unitarlympics showed me that even though we come from different backgrounds, we share the same dreams and spirit. I now have so many new friends from other Unitar branches in different states. I am so happy about this,” she said in a recent press release.
Unitar International University Bachelor of Education student Nahganesh Jaindran expressed his appreciation for the spirit of unity.
“It was a celebration of who we are as Malaysians, competing alongside students from all over the country, including Sabah and Sarawak. It reminded me that our strength lies in our togetherness,” he said.
Unitar International University vice-chancellor Emeritus Prof Tan Sri Dr Sahol Hamid Abu Bakar said the event was a living example of how education can go beyond the classroom to unite young people, build character, develop leadership qualities and cultivate excellence in sports.
“This Merdeka and Malaysia Day season, we are proud to stand alongside our students in celebrating the nation’s diversity and resilience through our sporting event.
“We remain dedicated to nurturing a new generation of leaders who will carry forward the torch of progress, leadership, knowledge, harmony and national pride,” he said.
The event, launched by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow on Aug 28, saw students from the Unitar International University Kelana Jaya main campus named overall champions. They emerged victorious with 19 points, winning five gold medals and four bronze medals.
They were followed by Unitar College Kuching, which secured 10 points with two gold medals, a silver medal and a bronze medal, and Unitar College Kota Kinabalu, which earned nine points with two gold medals and three bronze medals.
