PUTRAJAYA, 30 SEPTEMBER 2022 – Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) through the Faculty of Sports Science and Recreation (FSR) in collaboration with the Pertubuhan Seni Gayung Fatani Malaysia (PSGFM), Persekutuan Silat Olahraga Nasional Malaysia (PESONA) and World Silat Federation (WSF) is hosting a three-day “International Martial Arts & Malay Silat Festival (IMAF) 2022” event.
UiTM has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Centre of Martial Arts for Youth Development and Engagement under the auspices of UNESCO (UNESCO ICM), Pertubuhan Seni Gayung Fatani Malaysia (PSGFM), and Persekutuan Silat Olahraga Nasional Malaysia (PESONA) today at Mesmera Hall, Hotel Everly Putrajaya. The strategic partnership was initiated by the Faculty of Sports Science and Recreation (FSR) to promote academic and research collaboration between all parties.
Representing UiTM is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. Haji Mohd Sazili Shahibi, with Secretary General, Mr. Park Chang–Hyun representing UNESCO ICM, and Tuan Guru Aminuddin Anuar representing PSGFM and PESONA as its Grand Master. The MoU signing were witnessed by the Vice-Chancellor of Industry, Community and Alumni Network (ICAN), Professor Dr. Mohamad Hariri Hj Abdullah, Assistant Vice-Chancellor of Internalization, Professor Dr. Shahriman Zainal Abidin, Dean of FSR, Prof. Dr Mohad Anizu Mohd Nor, Research & Development Team of UNESCO ICM, Mr. Lee Kang–Hyeok, President of PSGFM, Grandmaster Mohd Safwan Abu Hassan, and Grandmaster Assoc. Prof. Dr Mohamad Nizam Mohamed Shapie, the President of PESONA.
“While focusing on enhancing well-being and career development, UiTM believes that studies on deeply entrenched martial arts in the traditions and culture of Malay civilization as ‘silat’ can highlight its contributions to world civilization in a modern context. At the same time, this partnership will allow us to learn and appreciate the challenges and meaningful journeys in exploring martial arts, especially Silat Malaysia,” said the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of UiTM.
The MoU between UiTM and UNESCO ICM will focus on several things including (i) conduct research and exchange information and data on martial arts, (ii) provide martial arts-based physical and psychological activities and programmes, and (iii) create opportunities for future joint or allied funding activities and projects.
The MoU between UiTM and PSGFM particularly will focus on several things such as (i) sharing expertise in martial arts, combat sports, and improving the skills of coaches, athletes, and officials in Malaysia, (ii) assisting PSGFM in supporting sports science for the preparation of athletes and officials, and (iii) to provide a practical training place for the staff development and trainees in managing educational programs and activities.
The MoU between UiTM and PESONA will focus on several things specifically on (i) sharing expertise in martial arts, combat sports, and improving the skills of coaches, athletes, and officials in Malaysia, (ii) assisting PESONA in supporting sports science for the preparation of athletes and officials, and (iii) to provide a practical training place for the staff development and trainees in managing educational programs and activities. The collaboration mentioned will be prioritised and strategically developed as UiTM welcomes participation from private sectors and professionals in this partnership.
The three-day event of International Martial Arts & Malay Silat Festival 2022 has come to successful completion and demonstrated positive outcome between UiTM, UNESCO ICM, PSGFM, and PESONA.
The MoU and the closing ceremony is the final capstone of the event as it was officiated by YB Senator Tuan Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Bin Wan Ahmad Kamal, Deputy Unity Minister on the 30th September 2022 at Mesmera Hall, Everly Hotel, Putrajaya. Representing UiTM is Dean of FSR, Prof. Dr Mohad Anizu Mohd Nor, Secretary General, Mr. Park Chang–Hyun representing UNESCO ICM, and Tuan Guru Aminuddin Anuar representing PSGFM and PESONA as its Grand Master, Research & Development Team of UNESCO ICM, Mr. Lee Kang–Hyeok, President of PSGFM, Grandmaster Mohd Safwan Abu Hassan, and Grandmaster Assoc. Prof. Dr Mohamad Nizam Mohamed Shapie, the President of PESONA.
Final performances by Martial Arts & Cultural Gala revealing the best of the best performance of martial arts from different countries such as Taekwondo (Korea), Pencak Silat (Indonesia), Capoeira (Brazil), Bokator (Cambodia), Wushu (China), Karate (Japan), Jujitsu (Brazil), Muay Thai (Thailand), Sambo (Russia), Taekkyeon (Korea), Aikido (Japan), Kendo (Japan), and Tong-il Moo-Do (Korea).