UTM plans 'bigger' mission to conquer Everest in two years

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is planning an even more ambitious mission to conquer Mount Everest within the next two years, building on its established global achievements. The university intends to send a larger contingent of students and staff to tackle the world's highest peak, aiming to further instill a spirit of self-reliance, mental fortitude, and excellence among its community.

Currently, UTM is participating in the 'UTM Everest Legacy Decade Expedition 2016-2026' at the Tibet Everest Base Camp. This expedition not only commemorates the university's success in conquering Everest over a decade ago but also serves as a symbol of UTM's fighting spirit and international standing. The university expressed pride in the 15 participants currently at the Tibet EBC, celebrating this decennial milestone.

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The expedition... is not just commemorating the success of conquering the peak by UTM graduates over a decade ago, but also becomes a symbol of the university's fighting spirit and excellence on the international stage.

The resilience and determination shown by two former students, Azim Afif Ishak and Mohd Farul Aidid Mahamad Yusoff, are highlighted as exemplary for the younger generation, particularly UTM students. These two alumni made history as the first Malaysians among over 3,800 recorded climbers to successfully summit Mount Everest via the Tibet route. UTM's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim, believes this spirit is crucial for young people to emulate, ensuring UTM's continued prominence on the international stage.

This achievement is expected to contribute to further national recognition, potentially including an entry in the Malaysia Book of Records. The current expedition, organized by the UTM Alumni Association (PAUTM) in collaboration with UTM Space, involves 15 participants and runs from June 3rd to 13th. Key figures include Dr. Bakri Zainal Abidin as PAUTM representative and Tan Sri Dr. Salleh Mohd Noor as Chef de Mission for Everest UTM 2026. Among the participants are Azim Afif Ishak, a representative of alumni movers and the 2016 Everest climber, along with mechanical engineering student Muhammad Zurysh Effandy Nuruleffandy, 22, and sports and fitness diploma student Dhanesh Babbu Krishnan, 19.

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I am confident that this is the spirit that young people should emulate. A high fighting spirit and remaining steadfast are necessary to ensure UTM continues to be at the forefront internationally.