By: Nik Mohamad Ridhwan Nik nasrudin 

KUALA LUMPUR, January 24 – Universiti Putra Malaysia’s (UPM) pride, the Kijang Mas Dikir Barat Club, proved their mettle in the national cultural arts scene by successfully securing third place in the Mega Dikir Barat Competition held in conjunction with the Titih Pusaka Festival 2026, organized by the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (ASWARA).

The grand finale took place with great splendor at Padang Merbok, Kuala Lumpur, witnessing fierce competition among Dikir Barat powerhouses from higher education institutions (IPT) across the country.

Performing before hundreds of spectators, Kijang Mas UPM delivered energetic vocals and synchronized chorus movements (awak-awak). Presenting their entry song themed "Warisan Madani" (Madani Heritage), the team successfully captivated the professional jury, placing UPM on the winners' podium.

Meanwhile, the championship title was claimed by the team from Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), while the runner-up spot was taken by UiTM Shah Alam.

The team leader of Kijang Mas UPM described this third-place win as a proud achievement, noting that the standard of competition at this year’s Titih Pusaka Festival is regarded as one of the highest ever organized.

"We are grateful that our hard work practicing day and night has finally paid off. Despite competing against universities like UMK and UiTM, Kijang Mas successfully proved that UPM students are capable of elevating this heritage art form to a high level," he said when met after the prize-giving ceremony.

The three-day Titih Pusaka Festival 2026 aims to revitalize traditional arts among the youth, in line with efforts to uphold the nation's cultural heritage so that it remains timeless and enduring.

This success is hoped to serve as a morale booster for Kijang Mas UPM to continue striving further in future Dikir Barat competition circuits.

Date of Input: 28/01/2026 | Updated: 28/01/2026 | nureedayu