JOHOR BAHRU, May 17 – The Knowledge Bank Challenge, organized by the International Student Society (ISS) Yemen, was successfully held at Lecture Hall L50, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). The intellectually vibrant event brought together students from various backgrounds for a team-based trivia competition that celebrated cultural learning, critical thinking, and academic collaboration.
The program featured five competing teams, each composed of international students who advanced through three structured rounds of elimination. What began as a broad pool of competitors narrowed down through fast-paced, high-pressure stages that tested both individual knowledge and group coordination. In the end, two standout teams advanced to the final round, where they competed head-to-head in a dynamic intellectual showdown.
The winning team consisted of Labib Alsayad, Abdullah Bello, Abdulrahman Sheikh, AhmadElsharkawy, and Ahmad Elsadiq, who claimed the title after a strategic and closely contested finale. The runner-up team, comprising Walid Sami, Hussain Sami, Fadi Tabrizi, Amr Alwafi, and Bandar Bawodood, also earned praise for their performance and sportsmanship.
The Knowledge Bank Challenge was more than just a competition—it was a platform for building bridges among cultures and creating meaningful learning experiences. The event was designed not only to stimulate curiosity and encourage teamwork but also to promote active participation from the wider UTM community.
In his remarks, event coordinator Ebrahim Alabbadi, representing ISS-Yemen, shared:
“This event reflects our mission as ISS-Yemen—to create inclusive spaces where students can grow intellectually while celebrating our shared values and diverse backgrounds. Knowledge Bank combines fun with depth, and we’re proud to see how it brought students together.”
Founded to represent Yemeni students at UTM, ISS-Yemen actively contributes to international student integration through cultural, academic, and social programs. By organizing events like Knowledge Bank, ISS-Yemen strengthens intercultural dialogue and enriches the campus experience for both local and international students.
The event also aligns with UTM’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). It exemplifies how student-led initiatives can support inclusive education and community engagement within a global campus environment.
Audience members, including faculty and fellow students, praised the event for its energy, originality, and the meaningful interaction it fostered. Many noted how the format encouraged not only healthy competition but also a spirit of unity and cultural exchange.
The success of this event has already sparked interest in future editions, with plans to expand the program and involve even more faculties and student societies.
The Knowledge Bank Challenge stands as a testament to the power of student leadership, the value of cultural knowledge, and the role of UTM as a hub for global excellence and collaboration.
Reported by: Ebrahim Mohammed Hamed Abdullah Alabbadi, ISS-Yemen