The female basketball team of UTAR proved their basketball skills when they won fourth place at the College University Basketball Championship (CUBC), organised by Hoops Station Basketball League, from 22 July to 10 September 2023 at Subang Summit USJ.

The team consisted of 14 players, namely Tan Pei Qi, Hooi Phey Nee, Sak Yi Wen, Christine Wong, Leow Kai Ling, Pang En Qi, Ang Xuan Wei, Nathalie Tan Yi Huang, Elaze Ng Yong Xuan, Chiam Xin Er, Erlena Beh, Goh Qian Min, Lim En Qi, and Chai Yee Wen. They received a trophy.

More than just a platform to showcase their basketball skills, their participation in the competition also enabled them to develop essential life values, sportsmanship, respect, and leadership. It also improved their teamwork. They said, “We joined this competition to strengthen the bonds within our newly-formed team and identify areas for us to make improvements and get ready for the next competition. We are very happy to win this prize. This was a valuable opportunity for us to learn from others.”

They added, “We would also like to express our gratitude to UTAR for its unwavering support, including access to excellent facilities for weekly practice sessions. We are also grateful to have Mr Toh Chin Thiam as our coach, whose guidance enhanced our basketball skills significantly. Additionally, we acknowledge the vital role played by the UTAR DSA officers, Ms Goh Man Hua, En Nizam bin Zakaria, and Mr Steven for taking a lot of time to bring us to attend the competition and arranging the transportation and accommodation.”

The men’s basketball team also participated in the competition. The team consisted of 15 players, namely Bong Jun Chiu, Lai Chin Lek, Chu Shun Heng, Boo Wei Lun, Puk Hong Yew, Phoon Lit Foong, Chang Wei Xiang, Tan Yit Rui, Kang Kar Heng, Ong Zong Yi, Ito Chen Jiunn-Ru, Vincent Wee Yong Jian, Jason Wong Chi Kean, Low Li Xiang and Ng Wen Hung.

The men’s team expressed, “Participating in this competition brought us joy, and though our journey was halted before the semi-finals, we are committed to continuous improvement. This experience serves as a valuable opportunity to learn from others and identify our weaknesses. We wish to express our appreciation to our coach Mr Toh Chin Thiam for his unwavering support and guidance and also to UTAR for its support in providing training facilities, transportation and accommodation which have been instrumental in our journey.”