By: Nik Mohamad Ridhwan 

SERDANG, 7 June 2026 – Kelab Senitari Adimastuli, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) has proudly brought honour to the university by clinching the Runner-Up title at the Festival Zapin Majlis Kebudayaan Universiti-Universiti Malaysia 2026 (FESZAM 2026), held over three days from 5 to 7 June 2026 at the Main Hall, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Arts and Cultural Centre (PKKSSAAS), UPM Serdang.

This prestigious national-level festival was jointly organised by the Division of Student Affairs (BHEP) UPM, the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Arts and Cultural Centre (PKKSSAAS) and the Council of Cultural Affairs of Malaysian Universities (MAKUM), with UPM proudly serving as the host university for this year's edition — the first since the festival was last held in 2018.

A total of 11 public universities from across the country sent their respective delegations to compete in the Zapin Lambak event, making for a fiercely contested and vibrant showcase of Malay cultural heritage.

At the closing ceremony, Gemalai Qarma Dansa from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) was crowned Champion, while Kelab Senitari Adimastuli UPM emerged as Runner-Up. Third place was claimed by Kumpulan Kesenian Universiti Malaya (KESUMA) from Universiti Malaya (UM), followed by Kelab Tari Destar Limar from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) in fourth place, and Kumpulan Kesenian Adikarma from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) rounding off the top five.

Several special awards were also presented at the closing ceremony. The Best Choreography Award went to Gemalai Qarma Dansa (UiTM), the Best Costume Award was won by Kumpulan Lestari Warisan Le Waris from Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), and the Best Make-Up & Grooming Award was conferred upon KESUMA from UM. Kelab Tari Destar Limar (UPSI) also received the Special Award (Commitment) in recognition of their spirit and dedication throughout the competition.

The Head of the Section for Cultural Arts and Heritage Empowerment, BHEP UPM, extended heartfelt congratulations to all members of Kelab Senitari Adimastuli on this outstanding achievement.

"Congratulations to all members of Kelab Senitari Adimastuli on this remarkable achievement. The Runner-Up title carries great significance, particularly after nearly eight years since the festival was last held. Their dedication in preserving the zapin dance heritage reflects UPM's commitment to developing students who not only excel academically, but also uphold and champion the cultural legacy of the nation," he said.

FESZAM 2026 is more than just a competition it serves as a vital platform for students to appreciate, practise and showcase the beauty of zapin, a Malay cultural heritage rich in aesthetic and spiritual values. The success of Kelab Senitari Adimastuli this year is a testament to the enduring spirit of cultural preservation at UPM.

BHEP UPM remains committed to actively supporting student participation in cultural and artistic activities as part of holistic character development, in line with the university's aspiration to produce well-rounded graduates intellectually capable, yet refined in culture and values.

Date of Input: 20/06/2026 | Updated: 20/06/2026 | nureedayu