The Government-Linked Universities (GLU) strengthened its spirit of collaboration through a Pickleball Friendly Match 2026, bringing together Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), and Multimedia University (MMU).
Held on 4 July 2026 at UNITEN, the programme gathered more than 40 participants comprising Vice-Chancellors, senior management representatives and staff from the four GLU member universities.
UniKL’s team was led by its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Kushsairy Abdul Kadir.
The event offered a refreshing platform for university leaders and staff to interact beyond formal meetings, while promoting teamwork, active lifestyles and stronger institutional ties through sports.
The participation of Vice-Chancellors from all four universities added significance to the friendly match, reflecting the shared commitment of GLU institutions to build closer relationships through meaningful and inclusive engagement.
Pickleball, known for its accessibility and fast-growing popularity, provided an ideal setting for participants of different skill levels to take part.
Beyond competition, the friendly match highlighted the importance of staff wellbeing, cross-institutional networking and positive workplace culture within the higher education sector.
The initiative also supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being by encouraging active lifestyles, while strengthening SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through collaboration among Malaysia’s leading private universities.
For UniKL and its GLU partners, the programme further contributes to the broader higher education narrative on institutional reputation, stakeholder engagement, university visibility and strategic partnerships, which remain relevant to global ranking frameworks such as the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education (THE).
The GLU Pickleball Friendly Match 2026 is expected to become an annual platform to further strengthen friendship, collaboration and professional networks among the four universities.
More than a game, the event served as a reminder that meaningful university collaboration can also be built through shared energy, healthy competition and moments of connection beyond the boardroom.
