By Engku Nurul Aima Tengku Amri, Corporate Communications Office

The recent UMT International University Sailing Championship (UNISAIL) 2026 reflects UMT’s commitment to empowering student development through a high-impact platform that integrates sports, leadership and experiential learning.

Through its Sailing Training Centre (PLP), Student and Alumni Affairs Division (HEPA), UMT organised UNISAIL 2026 from 28 to 30 July at the UMT Community Sailing Clubhouse, Pulau Duyong, Kuala Terengganu.

Participating teams included Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), FISU UMT, National University of Singapore (NUS), UMT Student Representative Council, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) Student Representative Council, and two teams from National Taiwan Ocean University (NTOU).

PLP Director Hafizi Said said the championship was not merely a competitive sailing event but also provided students with opportunities to develop leadership, communication, teamwork and event management skills through real-world experience. This approach is in line with UMT’s aspiration to nurture well-rounded Mahasiswa Idaman who excel in academics while demonstrating strong character, leadership and volunteerism.

“Students had direct involvement in managing the event, giving them practical experience in leadership, programme planning, operational coordination, and teamwork,” he said.

Naisya binti Ahmad Fadzil, a participant from UMT’s Bachelor of Science (Nautical Science and Maritime Transportation) with Honours programme, said she was excited to gain first-hand sailing experience and viewed being a woman as no barrier to serving as the Programme Director of UNISAIL 2026. She also expressed her excitement after her team secured second place in the championship.

The support from the Ministry of Higher Education in funding the refurbishment of UMT’s six Foundation 36 (F36) sailing boats has enabled UMT to enhance its sailing training and programme capabilities while providing students with better facilities to develop their talents and participate in national and international competitions.

First place went to Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), with UMT and National University of Singapore coming in second and third, respectively. 

Several Special Awards were presented in recognition of the teams’ performance, commitment and sportsmanship throughout the championship. Best Team award went to National Taiwan Ocean University (NTOU) and Sportsmanship Award to UMT Oceanus (UMT Student Representative Council).

UNISAIL 2026 also received support from strategic partners through financial sponsorship, in-kind contributions and facilities, including Yayasan Perkasa Siswa (YPS), FR9 Marketing, TG Premium and The Langit Duyong Marina Resort. Support from various stakeholders reflects their confidence in UMT’s efforts to strengthen sailing development and provide meaningful learning experiences for students.