Perak Menteri Besar's Pantun Championship Unites University Talents

Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris hosted the vibrant Pantera: Piala Menteri Besar Perak 2026, a three-day pantun competition that brought together eight teams from higher learning institutions across Malaysia. The event, themed “Pesona Budaya, Citra Malaysia” (Cultural Charm, Malaysia’s Image), aimed to celebrate the beauty of pantun, the elegance of the Malay language, and the richness of Malay heritage.

Organizers highlighted the competition as a crucial platform for engaging younger generations with traditional Malay poetry. Muhammad Fahmi Ariff Ahmad Zulkefley, the program director, stated that Pantera is more than just a contest; it serves as a medium for students to appreciate cultural values, linguistic etiquette, and the spirit of unity. The hope is to cultivate a generation that cherishes national heritage.

Dr. Muhammad Ridhwan Sarifin, Chief Fellow of Kolej Harun Aminurrashid, emphasized the program's role in strengthening students' identities through the appreciation of national heritage arts. He noted that pantun, a cultural treasure, must be preserved and passed down. The competition not only hones students' talents but also builds their self-confidence, teamwork, and communication skills.

Muhamad Rusham Rustan Nursim, the Program Advisor Fellow, stressed the importance of fostering unity among students through inclusive programs. He believes that students, as future leaders, need to internalize unity, tolerance, and mutual respect to live harmoniously and contribute to a cohesive society. The competition culminated with UiTM B's team 'Indera' taking the championship title, followed by UIAM A's 'Adyakala Budi' as the runner-up.