Merdeka is a soulful word that evokes pride, joy, and probably even tears of happiness in the hearts of Malaysians. It represents the unseen yet resounding spirit that lives among the kindest of people in this tropical land of rich diversity.
We often hear “are you [insert an adjective here] enough?” That’s why when the winds of Merdeka festivity sweep by with great fervour, why not reply with a resounding, “Are you Malaysian enough?”—a question packed with fun trivia about our beloved nation.
Quizzers in question — laser-focused on every challenge in Quizizz
This very question came to life at the Merdeka Day Quiz 2025, organised by UTAR Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS) Kampar Campus on 27 August 2025 at UTAR Kampar Campus. More than just a fun annual test of knowledge, the quiz session was also a celebration of Malaysia’s Independence Day and cultural diversity.
Continuing a tradition established in 2018, this year’s quiz marked its fifth edition, bringing together 57 students from the Kampar Campus community in a festive spirit of learning and celebration.
Similar to its past iterations, the quiz competition challenged participating students to a quick-paced Quizizz session, involving a total of 30 questions. The questions featured a diverse range of topics, with a ramped-up difficulty designed to test not only general knowledge but also rarely asked trivia to challenge even the most knowledgeable Malaysians.
The winners of the competition are as follows:
Position |
Name |
Programme |
Prize |
Champion |
Lee Wen Jun |
Bachelor of Science (Honours) Food Science |
RM150 & Certificate |
1st Runner-up |
Ho Jingyou |
Master of Science |
RM130 & Certificate |
2nd Runner-up |
Yeap Zheng Yang |
Bachelor of Science (Honours) Biomedical Science |
RM100 & Certificate |
Consolation |
Lim Hui Xin |
Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) Banking and Finance |
RM60 & Certificate |
Consolation |
Tey Rui Qin |
Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) Banking and Finance |
RM60 & Certificate |
First prize winner, Lee Wen Jun (left)
First Runner-up, Ho Jingyou (left)
Friend of Yeap (left), receiving the Second Runner-up prize in his stead
Consolation prize winner, Lim Hui Xin (right)
Consolation prize winner, Tey Rui Qin (left)
“Our culture is enriched by traditions, festivals, and cuisines from different communities, and yes, that also means having many public holidays to look forward to every year!” CFS (Kampar Campus) Director Ts Tan Lee Siew enthused, as she congratulated the quizzers.
She added, “This competition goes beyond testing the knowledge of Malaysia’s history, geography, culture, and current affairs. It showcases how UTARians like you keep the Merdeka spirit alive. Let us carry forward the Merdeka spirit with pride and courage as we build a brighter Malaysia together.”
Ms Tan Lee Siew sharing her love for Malaysia’s diverse cultures
“Merdeka Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a symbol of our hard-earned independence through the struggles, sacrifices, and unwavering determination of our forefathers,” Merdeka Day Quiz 2025 Organising Chairperson Mr Sree Amertharaj Ratnam remarked, echoing the sentiment of Ms Tan.
He added, “I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every participant for taking part in the Merdeka Day 2025 Quiz competition. Your participation not only demonstrated a deep interest in learning more about Malaysia but also contributed to the spirit of unity and celebration that Malaysia embodies. We are grateful for your involvement and hope to see you in future events as we continue to celebrate the values and history that make Malaysia unique.”
Mr Sree Amertharaj expressing his heartfelt thanks to participants and the organising committee members
Also present at the competition prize-giving ceremony were CFS (Kampar Campus) Deputy Director for Student Affairs and Development Mr Lim Khiew Loon, Head of Department of Science and Engineering Ms Ooi Siew Fong, Head of Department of Arts and Social Science Ms Pakialetchumy Antoni, Head of Department of Management and Accountancy Ms Tsen Tzu Yee, Merdeka Day Quiz 2025 Co-organising Chairperson Ms Yuvashini Salvamani, CFS (Kampar Campus) academics Pn Muniroh binti Salleh, Pn Noor Aina Farhana binti Zulkifli, Pn Nur Adilah Shahirah binti Shafie, Pn Nurbadriah binti Mat Zain, Pn Sabrina binti Omar, Pn Sarah binti Shamshul Anwar, Ms Tulasi Subramaniam, Ms Chuah Puoi Choo, and Mr Tan Jun Bin; UTAR staff and students.
One thing was easily concluded from the quiz competition—UTARians are more than Malaysian enough. The spirited participation and warm exchanges throughout the event reflected not only their knowledge, but also their shared eagerness to celebrate what it means to be Malaysian—a jolly bunch who embrace the nation’s rich heritage while playfully engaging with the “Are you Malaysian enough?” enigma in pride and camaraderie.
Merdeka Day Quiz 2025 had it all — from laser-focus during the quiz to laughter at the special Merdeka Day video presentation
Front row, from left: Pn Nur Adilah Shahirah, Mr Tan Jun Bin, Mr Sree Amertharaj, Ms Ooi, Mr Lim, Ms Tan Lee Siew, Ms Pakialetchumy, Ms Tsen, Ms Yuvashini, Pn Nurbadriah, Pn Noor Aina Farhana, Pn Muniroh, and Ms Tulasi with UTAR staff and students during the prize-giving ceremony
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