24 July 2007 One of the highlights of SEGi College’s Open Day and Night was a Futsal Face-Off Challenge. The activity was one of the most exciting events of the day, with more than 100 participants from secondary schools and colleges.

“Champions of the categories were up for winning Nokia and Sony Ericsson handphones, that’s why we had fantastic participation from the crowd,” said Lee Kok Cheng, chief operating officer of SEG International Bhd and principal of SEGi College, Malaysia.

“The Futsal one on one tournament is designed to be fast pace and exciting. It engages the participant and the audience in a speedy 1 minute battle where the winner will advance to the next round. The event was clearly one of the best crowd puller at the Open Day and Night! This just goes to show that futsal is not yet another male-dominated sport. The female players are as good, if not better than the men,” commented Lee.

First to commence was the Secondary School category. Students patiently waited for their turns to outdo their challenger in one of two square courts. Others watched in anticipation as 2 opponents outscore one another in two separate courts.

After various displays of talents, SM Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah students Muhamad Sahzuan b Ahmad Fuad and Muamar Afiq b Adnan from the class of Form 4B and Form 3G respectively proved to be the best two on court to advance to the finals.

Played in an 18-feet cage, Mohd. Sahzuan effortlessly thrash his opponent, outscoring Muamar Afiq in a matter of second to claim as victor of the Futsal Face-Off Challenge in the Secondary School category, and walked away with a new hand phone.

“I enjoyed myself. It was fun while it lasted but unfortunately I lost in the last minute. I am disappointed but at least I tried,” said Amirul from SMK USJ12, who lost the semi-finals to Mohd. Akmal Sufian (second runner-up).

The Women Open/College category followed next with participation from college members, school students and visitors. Nor Farhana Huda bt. Omar, a Form 5 student from SM Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, Shah Alam emerged as champion for the category when she beat Lum Soo Eurn in a very close match.

Quick to follow next was the Men Open/College category which saw the participation from visitors and international students. The turn-up of 5 very built international students amongst the participants intimidated most of them but in good spirit of sportsmanship, the players outdid themselves in attempts to snag the first prize. Nevertheless attempts by finalist, Alvin Martin proved to be too steep a climb. Archibong Gladstone Dan emerged as champion of the Open/College category, easily trounced rival, Martin to a speedy win.

Prior to the face-off on the Open Day and Night, SEGi College has organised 2 preliminary tourneys in the local schools to hype up the event and also attain participation from secondary school students. On 5th July 2007, SEGi College visited SMK USJ12, Subang Jaya and organised the first of its two pre-tournaments.

The arrival of the organiser was well received by eager students who were set to show off their skills at the wee hours of 8.00am. The prelims in saw some 80 Form 1 to Form 3 students of gathering together to outshine one another for prizes awarded to the top 10 best players of the tourney.

After 4 hours of cheering, competing and also showing off their personal playing skills, the 10 most outstanding players were Mohd. Ikram Rusman, Mohd. Hasriq, Mohd. Faiq. Yap Jen Jet, Thariq Rosli, Mohd. Zahir Fikri Mohd. Azmi, Johari Jamaluddin, Usamah Juraimi and Irfan.

In another friendly school visit to SM Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah in Shah Alam, animated students from 2 classes waited in anticipation as the organisers prepared to start the game. Each student displayed an array of skills to oust their opponents in each match.

“I am amazed to see how talented these students are. Though they are merely secondary students but some possess skills that can be compared to that of professionals. I am really impressed to see how naturally talented the students are and how popular this sport is among teenagers today,” Lee added.

"Futsal is a widely accepted and practiced sport in all parts of the world. It’s popularity amongst teenagers and the young. Youths nowadays are into trendy games such as extreme sports of skateboarding, extreme cycling and even inline skates. By organising these in-trend games, not only can we involve the participation of youths, but also deter them from loitering and spending their time with unproductive activities. We are able to teach them the spirit of teamwork and also leadership plus other noble traits which will be beneficial for their future,” said Lee.

For updates on the latest events and to find out more about SEGi College, please call SEGi College, Malaysia at 03-6145 1777. You may also call the other campuses located at Subang Jaya (03-86001888), Kuala Lumpur (03-20702078), Petaling Jaya (03-78757118), Penang (04-2633888), Sarawak (082-252566), email to askme@segi.edu.my or log on to www.segi.edu.my