Kota Kinabalu: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) emerged as the overall champions of the Sabah Higher Education Institutions Sports Championship (SUIPTS) 2026 with their haul of 29 gold, 13 silver and five bronze medals.
Twenty-three institutions of higher learning (IPT) throughout the State participated in the competition.
The runners-up spot was secured by Universiti Teknologi Mara Sabah Branch (UiTMCS) with five golds, six silvers and 10 bronzes, while third place went to UMS Labuan International Campus (UMSKAL) with four golds, two silvers and five bronzes.
The closing ceremony held at the Postgraduate Auditorium Hall, UMS on Sunday was officiated by the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT)’s strategic planning division deputy secretary Dr. Hanafiah Ayub.
According to him, the SUIPTS platform is not merely a competition arena for medals, but acts as a platform for unification among students from various backgrounds.
“This championship is an important medium in the formation of discipline, integrity values, team spirit and identity among IPT students.
“The active participation and sportsmanship that was highlighted throughout the tournament reflects the high commitment of the IPT community in the development of sports and human capital.
“The experience served as a stepping stone for them to continue competing at a higher level, whether in academics or sports,” he said.
Also present at the closing ceremony was UMS Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) Professor Dr. Raman Noordin.
