SINTOK: UCSI University has emerged as Malaysia’s best private university at the 2024 Higher Education Institution Games (Sukipt), finishing fourth in the overall standings.

Winning 15 gold, 9 silver and 4 bronze medals, UCSI recorded its best-ever placement in the biennial intervarsity event that brings together the nation’s best university athletes.

Led by Khiew Hoe Yean, Malaysia’s sole male swimmer at the Paris 2024 Olympics, UCSI’s all-conquering swim team made a splash, contributing 13 gold, 6 silver and 3 bronze medals.

Winning all his six events, Hoe Yean set four new games records in the men’s 200m freestyle, the men’s 400m freestyle, the men’s 4x100m medley relay and the men’s 4x200m freestyle relay.

Hoe Yean’s six gold medal haul adds to the 11 golds and 1 silver he won at Sukipt 2022.

UCSI’s other gold medals were contributed by former national badminton player Rex Hooi Shao Herng in the men’s singles and the celebrated UCSI Eagles, the varsity’s men’s basketball team.

UCSI University Council chairman Dato’ Peter Ng said that UCSI athletes outdid themselves at Sukipt and inspired the student community with their heroics.

“All of us at UCSI could not be prouder of our athletes and the results they have achieved,” he said. “We are very encouraged to see their progress and many athletes have stepped up in different sports.

“I would like to congratulate the athletes, the coaches and the volunteers for a job well done. All of them personified the spirit of excellence and perseverance.”