4 days ago
Promoting patriotism for Merdeka month
Standing united: Almost 1,600 UTM staff members waving the national flags during the National Month and Brisk Walk Perdana programme held at its Skudai campus in Johor Baru. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
JOHOR BARU: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has called on its community to embody the spirit of independence and apply Malaysia Madani values in their daily actions.
Its vice-chancellor Prof Dr Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim said the 2025 National Month celebrations at UTM are not just symbolic but a starting point to strengthen integrity, enhance synergy, elevate excellence and boost sustainability efforts.
He said this in his speech when launching the university's 2025 National Month and Brisk Walk Perdana programme held at its Skudai campus here recently.
The event, aimed at instilling patriotism while encouraging healthy living, attracted almost 1,600 UTM staff dressed in sports attire in the colours of the Jalur Gemilang.
The programme started with an aerobics session, followed by the 1.5km brisk walk with participants waving national flags as they made their way around the lake.
Other activities included Merdeka-themed performances and a lucky draw to liven up the festive atmosphere.
Prof Mohd Shafry said the programme reflects UTM's commitment to fostering love for the country alongside an active and sustainable lifestyle under its UTM Sihat and Lestari agenda.
'This event brings together two important elements, which are the spirit of patriotism and love for the country, as well as a healthy and sustainable lifestyle,' he added.
He said this year's national celebration theme, Malaysia Madani: Rakyat Disantuni, aligns with UTM's role as a higher education institution that not only cultivates knowledge but also nurtures character and community spirit.
'This month gives us space to reflect on the meaning of independence and our responsibility to defend it.
'The theme fits perfectly with our mission of serving and caring for the community,' he said.
Prof Mohd Shafry added that UTM upholds the principles of courtesy, humility and rational thinking in all its actions, guided by its core values of ISES (integrity, synergy, excellence and sustainability).
On the Brisk Walk Perdana, he said it symbolised UTM's support for a healthy and balanced work culture, while also strengthening the sense of community and cooperation among faculties, departments and all levels of staff and students.
The launch also featured a symbolic gimmick to mark the start of UTM's 2025 National Month celebrations, representing unity, patriotism and appreciation for the sacrifices of Malaysia's independence fighters.
