13 August 2025 – In conjunction with the Semarak Merdeka UPM 2025 programme, the Institute of Bioscience (IBS) participated in the Pertandingan Kibar Jalur Gemilang 2025 with a slogan Malaysia, Kami Bangga! The judging session took place at 9:30 a.m.

A total of 15 judges from the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Cultural and Arts Centre (PKKSAAS), led by Mr. Huzalshah Rizal Hussain, along with 10 invited photographers, attended the judging session. The delegation arrived by Universiti Putra Malaysia bus and was warmly welcomed by IBS Director, Prof. Dr. Zunita Zakaria, before being escorted to the IBS main foyer.

The Pertandingan Kibar Jalur Gemilang 2025 at the Institute of Bioscience received full support from the IBS community. A total of 9 management members, 15 postgraduate students, and 96% of the overall IBS staff, comprising various ethnicities and races in Malaysia, came together to make the programme a success. This impressive turnout reflects the patriotic spirit of the IBS community towards the nation!

The parade was led by IBS Contingent Leader, Prof. Dr. Ina Salwany Md. Yassin, who is also IBS Deputy Director. As a symbolic gesture of harmony and patriotism, she presented a tepak sireh (traditional betel leaf set) to the IBS Director.

Four main contingents participated in the parade: The first contingent is Malaysian Pride Food Contingent, showcasing a teh tarik (pulled tea) demonstration. Followed by Traditional Attire Contingent and highlighting the beauty of national costumes from different ethnicities while reciting a patriotic poem.

The third is Proton Wira Contingent, featuring IBS’s national car with nostalgic value, accompanied by a short quiz for the Chief Judge. Fourth contingent is the Tractor Contingent with the themed “Every Hand Builds the Nation’s Success,” presenting pesticide-free IBS agricultural produce to the Chief Judge.

The IBS foyer echoed with the recital of the Rukun Negara, led by the IBS Director and followed by all attendees including the judges, ending with the chant “Malaysia, Kami Bangga!”. The event concluded with a photography session at the IBS foyer backdrop.

The main stage decoration featured repurposed egg trays in support of recycling efforts. In addition, the Free Market Merdeka@IBS was also held in conjunction with this Independence Day celebration. The ‘Free Market’ initiative not only provided an opportunity for the IBS community to share pre-loved items that were still in good condition, but also embraced the concept of ‘liberating’ oneself from keeping items that were no longer needed.

“Such an event strengthens the bond among IBS staff and ignites the spirit of patriotism,” said Prof. Dr. Zunita Zakaria before presenting tokens of appreciation to the judges.

Date of Input: 18/08/2025 | Updated: 18/08/2025 | azah