November 27, 2024

By Dr. Joseph Unja, Doctor of Public Health Year 2, Project Manager “Segulai Sejalai Sehat Sarawak” Fun Run

On 16 November 2024, the ‘Segulai Sejalai Sehat Sarawak’ (in English: Together in Unity for Healthy Sarawak) Fun Run became more than just an event—it was a celebration of health, unity, and community. Organized by the Postgraduate Student Association (PGMED) of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UNIMAS, this milestone event brought together over 1,000 participants, marking a triumphant success. Held in conjunction with World Diabetes Day, the fun run aimed to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about diabetes while fostering a sense of togetherness among participants.

Planning an event of this magnitude is never a solo effort. As emphasized in the principles of Public Health, no program succeeds without the collective support of stakeholders. With immense gratitude, we acknowledge the contributions of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), Kelab Perubatan Unimas (KEPUMAS), and Unimas Medical Society (UNIMED). Their unwavering support turned our vision into reality.

It was truly an incredible sight. The campus, still misty from the previous night’s rain, offered a magical backdrop for the event.  The runners and dedicated crew were ready as the cool chilly weather filled the air. This beautiful scene prepared everyone for what was surely going to be a superb day.

The day began with the first group of 10km runners flagged off at 6:00 a.m., followed by the 5km and 3km categories shortly after.

As the mist hung low over the UNIMAS campus at around 6:30 a.m., runners gathered to kickstart their morning with an energizing Zumba session, the atmosphere was alive with smiles, laughter, and the shared promise of a memorable experience.

Our Vice Chancellor of UNIMAS, Professor Dr. Ahmad Hata bin Rasit (who turned up at the event even though he had another major event to attend later on that day) and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Professor Dr Asri bin Said, whose tireless backing was paramount in making the event a success, motivated runners with inspiring words before the start.

Guided by dedicated event marshals, participants—ranging from UNIMAS staff and students to alumni and members of the community—embarked on their journey through the campus, soaking in its tranquil beauty.

Post-run activities brought equal excitement, thoughtfully aligned with the theme of World Diabetes Day. The Milo truck quickly became the crowd favourite, serving refreshing drinks that energized participants. Local food stalls added a lively community vibe, offering delicacies that subtly promoted mindful eating habits.

A standout highlight was Liansin’s generous contribution of low glycaemic index (GI) rice, reinforcing the event’s focus on diabetes prevention and healthy lifestyles—a gesture deeply appreciated by all.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible sponsors who made this event possible: Public Medicare Group (PMG), MILO, Southern Bakery, Normah Medical Specialist Centre, SAINS (Digital Partner for Life), COURTS Nojima, Liansin, Thian Hak Co. Sdn. Bhd., Faiza, and Revive. Their generosity and support were instrumental in creating a meaningful and memorable experience for everyone involved.

Adding to the excitement, a lucky draw kept the crowd engaged with fantastic prizes, while various booths offered interactive and educational experiences.

The CPR awareness booth providing hands-on demonstrations and vital knowledge that could save lives.

One of the most appreciated highlights was the free health screening booth, where participants could get their blood pressure and glucose levels checked. The initiative aligned perfectly with the event’s mission of raising awareness about diabetes and promoting preventive healthcare.

This event highlighted the importance of non-academic activities. Beyond academics, initiatives like these enable students to develop essential life skills, including leadership, teamwork, communication, and adaptability.

They also promote physical health, emotional well-being, and a sense of belonging, contributing to holistic student development and preparing them for personal and professional success.

The success of the ‘Segulai Sejalai Sehat Sarawak Fun Run’ demonstrates that non-academic activities are far more than extracurricular—they are integral to building vibrant communities and fostering well-rounded individuals. As the Project Manager, I am proud of what we achieved and hopeful that this event will inspire similar initiatives in the future.

To everyone who supported and participated, thank you for making this journey unforgettable. Together, we showed that unity for the sake of health can inspire meaningful events like this.