Surabaya and Malang, Indonesia, June 25 – July 6, 2024 – The ASEAN University Games (AUG) 2024, a prestigious Southeast Asian student sports competition, are taking place in Surabaya and Malang, East Java, Indonesia. The AUG, organized every two years by the ASEAN University Sports Council since 1981, bring together athletes from various universities across ASEAN, with 11 member countries competing in 21 sports.
Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) has strong contenders in several sports and is committed to nurturing and developing these talents. The university leadership encourages UPI students to participate in both national and international championships.
“One aspect of higher education development is fostering interests, talents, and reasoning. UPI students’ involvement in the ASEAN University Games relates to their athletic talents,” stated Prof. Dr. H. Didi Sukyadi, M.A., UPI Vice Rector for Education and Student Affairs, in an interview after sending off the UPI contingent to the 2024 ASEAN University Games at the Paetere Building, UPI Bumi Siliwangi Campus, Jalan Dr. Setiabudhi No. 229, Bandung, on Monday, June 24, 2024.
Prof. Didi Sukyadi further explained that the ASEAN University Games this year are held in Surabaya, Indonesia, featuring numerous sports. “We hope to participate in all the sports, especially those where we have strong prospects,” he said.
Winning medals, he continued, would significantly boost the confidence of the students themselves and positively impact the university by meeting one of the Higher Education Key Performance Indicators (IKU).
Prof. Didi Sukyadi emphasized the importance of the ASEAN University Games as an international-level event. It not only hones students’ soft skills but also enhances their communication and social abilities. He expressed hope that students would gain international exposure by interacting with peers from across ASEAN, thus achieving a global perspective.
“To all the athletes and the entire contingent, I urge you to participate in all activities wholeheartedly and always uphold fair play. In sports, losing with sportsmanship is acceptable, but never win by cheating. Stay healthy, eat regularly, and maintain your fitness,” he concluded.