(From left) Song Chan Zhen and Dennis Lim Kai Xiang in a group photo on stage receiving the MASISWA 2022 Best Male Team Award. (Kojiro Yong did not attend the award ceremony)

TAR UMT's karate team from Penang Branch made headlines when they were announced as the winners of the MASISWA 2022 Best Male Team Award during the award ceremony held on 3 March 2023. The team was conferred the award for their remarkable achievement in the ASEAN University Games in 2022, where they won the Gold medal for Karate (Men’s team kata).

The unwavering commitment and perseverance of the three-member team, consisting of Song Chan Zhen (Bachelor of Information Technology (Hons) in Software Systems Development), Kojiro Yong (Bachelor of Business (Hons) International Business Management), and Dennis Lim (Diploma in International Business) are the key factors behind the team's success. 

For Dennis Lim, winning the award was a significant milestone in his personal growth. He believes that the key to achieving success is through working together, perseverance and determination. “Winning such a prestigious award is a testament to our hard work, dedication, and teamwork. It was an unforgettable experience in our journey as a team.” said Dennis.

For Kojiro, discipline was key to his and the team’s successful outing in the ASEAN University Games where he added: “Mastering the technical art of karate is the hardest part. Consistency in staying disciplined during and outside of training has played an important role in the achievements we as a team have accomplished today.”

To all aspiring athletes and students, TAR UMT's karate champions Chan Zhen, Kojiro, and Dennis Lim have this to share: “With dedication, discipline, and effective time management, anything is possible. The road to success is not easy, but the feeling of joy and satisfaction that comes with achieving your goals is worth it.”