SAS 3.0 FOSTERS HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AND UNITY AT USM ENGINEERING CAMPUS

NIBONG TEBAL, June 11 – Sports Among Schools (SAS) 3.0, a sports-centric programme promoting community engagement, continues to strengthen the culture of healthy living and unity among students and staff of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Engineering Campus.

Held at the Mini Stadium of the Engineering Campus, the programme was officiated by Campus Director, Professor Ir. Dr. Mariatti Jaafar @ Mustapha, who described SAS 3.0 as a meaningful initiative to cultivate an active lifestyle and sporting spirit within the campus community.

“I am deeply honoured to officiate this programme. What’s even more encouraging is the inclusive participation seen in this year’s edition, involving not only students but also university staff,” she said in her opening speech.

She added that SAS 3.0 is aligned with USM’s aspiration to nurture holistic campus citizens who embody the HEBAT values, Holistic, Entrepreneurial, Balanced, Articulate, and Thinking. Through sports activities, students are given the opportunity to build physical resilience, leadership skills, teamwork, and integrity.

“This programme also contributes to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – namely SDG 3 by promoting a healthy and active lifestyle, SDG 4 through character-building beyond the classroom, and SDG 17 via collaboration between students, staff and the wider campus community,” she added.

She stressed that such initiatives are in line with the core of modern higher education, which emphasises holistic human development encompassing physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual well-being.

In concluding her speech, Professor Mariatti urged all participants to compete with sportsmanship, mutual respect, and unity.

Meanwhile, SAS 3.0 Programme Director for Academic Session 2024/2025, Nurul Aina Najwa Md Kamaruzaman, shared that this year marks the third edition of the programme, with encouraging participation, particularly from students.

“This year, we introduced something new by also including staff as participants to enhance the spirit of inclusivity and strengthen campus unity,” she said.

Nurul Aina Najwa also introduced this year’s SAS theme, “Inside Out”, inspired by the popular animated film which highlights a range of emotions. Each contingent represents a unique emotion as a symbol of their strength and identity throughout the competition.

She further explained that the programme is divided into three phases: Phase 1 (9–15 June) featuring netball, tug of war and pétanque; Phase 2 (16–22 June) with dodgeball, volleyball, and basketball; and Phase 3 (23–26 June) showcasing futsal, badminton, frisbee and e-sports.

Text: Siti Faizah Abd Halim / Photos: Muhammad Taufik Abdul Rahman