SHAH ALAM, 17 JANUARY 2023 – Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) through the Faculty of Sports Science and Recreation (FSR) has established strategic partnerships with the Malaysian Sepak Takraw Association (PSM), Muezza Education Group Sdn. Bhd., and the Drone Industry Entrepreneurs & Movers Association (MyDrone). The aim of the partnerships is to strengthen the cooperation of academic institutions between the respective parties. The MoU signing ceremony was held at the Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Chancellery building in UiTM Shah Alam.
UiTM was represented by the Assistant Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Shahriman Zainal Abidin, while PSM was represented by President of PSM, YBhg. Dato’ Mohd Sumali Reduan, whereas Muezza Education Group Sdn Bhd was represented by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Tuan Anas Izuan Azmi, and MyDrone was represented by its Vice President, Dr. Roslan Basaruddin. Also, in attendance at the MoU signing ceremony were the Dean of FSR, Prof. Dr. Mohad Anizu Mohd Nor, Secretary-General of PSM, YBhg. Datuk Haji Abidullah Haji Salleh, Advisor and Shareholder of Muezza Education Group Sdn. Bhd., Tuan Abdul Halim Ali Umar, and Honorary Secretary of Mydrone, Encik Muhammad Fareez Abu Suaib Khan.
According to the Assistant Vice-Chancellor of UiTM, Professor Dr. Shahriman Zainal Abidin, this initiative is an important agenda and in line with UiTM’s mission and vision. “UiTM is confident that through this kind of cooperation, the process of knowledge transfer and the instillation of noble values will continue to produce successful, holistic, and competitive human capital towards the advancement of oneself, society, and the nation. This collaboration will prompt more opportunities for the development of the local sports scene and fortify plans to produce competitive future athletes through more integrated planning and strategy between the parties.”
“In fact, this MoU also creates opportunities for UiTM to spread its wings via its field experts to further elevate the local sports industry, whether in the form of research, information exchange, or knowledge dynamics consistent with the new norms and current lifestyle. It also creates an avenue for UiTM to contribute directly to the country’s sports development by offering athletes the opportunities to further their education and providing student volunteers to those in need of assistance,” he explained.
The MoU between UiTM and the Sepaktakraw Association of Malaysia (PSM) will focus on several matters including (i) accommodating Diploma and Degree students from UiTM for a mutually agreed period to undergo practical training, (ii) providing consultancy services and specialist services by UiTM or PSM, (iii) taking in staff and students from UiTM or PSM for a research duration that will be jointly decided, and (iv) extending cooperation in other areas as may be agreed by the parties from time to time.
Meanwhile, the MoU between UiTM and Muezza Education Group Sdn. Bhd. (MEG) will focus on a number of items including (i) contributing manpower, especially through the involvement of the Faculty of Sports Science & Recreation (FSR) students in MEG programmes, (ii) ensuring two-way cooperation in the provision of career opportunities for FSR students at MEG, (iii) giving cooperation in the development of archery, swimming, and equestrian modules, and (iv) extending invitation to the faculty Dean to attend major programmes organised by MEG.
Lastly, the MoU between UiTM and MyDrone will concentrate on (i) consulting and exchanging opinions and expertise in drone-related industries either in the form of sports or business knowledge, (ii) providing exposure and “Hang-Out” training to students who require technical learning assistance in using drones, (iii) conducting symposiums, conferences, short courses, and meetings on issues related to the drone sports and industry, (iv) exchanging of information on the development of the drone industry both educational and commercial, and (v) sharing expertise and opening up the use of in-house facilities to jointly plan the development of the nation’s drone sports athletes.