Iligan City, 1–3 October 2025 –
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamad Nizam Mohamed Shapie, Malaysia’s leading scholar in Silat Melayu and Sports Science, proudly represented UiTM at the 11th ASEAN Council of Physical Education and Sport (ACPES) International Conference 2025, hosted by Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT).
Dr. Nizam delivered two impactful presentations that positioned Silat Melayu on the international academic stage:
- “Developing a Sports Science Coaching Framework for Silat: A Systematic Synthesis of Research from Universiti Teknologi MARA (2013–2024)”
- “Evolving Silat Scholarship: Malaysia’s Path from Cultural Tradition to Global Academic Recognition”
Both studies showcased UiTM’s decade-long contribution to evidence-based Silat coaching, curriculum innovation, and cultural heritage research, affirming Dr. Nizam’s role as a key reference for martial arts scholarship in Southeast Asia.
A Proud Moment for Malaysian Silat
On Day 3, Dr. Nizam was invited to serve as a panel judge for the parallel sessions, reflecting his regional standing as an expert in martial arts research.
Later that evening, he joined the UiTM team for a Silat demonstration during the closing dinner, receiving warm appreciation from international delegates for promoting Malay martial heritage.
The conference concluded with Dr. Nizam’s significant achievement – he was awarded the “Best Paper for Oral Presentation” for his research on Silat’s academic evolution.
Guided by Remarkable Hosts
Throughout the three days, Dr. Nizam was personally guided and supported by Prof. Dr Manuel B. Barquilla, Dr Saidi Hassan, and Dr. Kenneth Austria from MSU-IIT’s Faculty of Physical Education, whose kindness and professionalism made the experience truly memorable.
He was also accompanied by Coach Muhammad Salehin Ramli, a PASSMAL Board Member from Singapore, who joined efforts in highlighting Silat Melayu’s international significance.
Acknowledging the UiTM Delegation
The UiTM team was led by Assoc. Prof. Raja Mohammed Firhad Raja Azidin (Dean, FSR), together with Dr. Saidatul Nur Syuhadah Sabadri, Mr. Mohd Azim Nural Azhan, Mr. Adam Afif Mohamad Azmi, Mr. Muhammad Zakwan Rusydi Suhaimi, and Mr. Muhammad Faizal Kutip.
Also joining the delegation was Dr. Ani Mazlina Dewi Mohamed (Secretary of ACPES) and a student from the Faculty of Education, who contributed as part of the academic and research support team.
Their collective presence strengthened UiTM’s regional academic partnerships and created opportunities for further international collaboration in sports science and physical education.
A Remarkable ACPES Experience
Dr. Nizam expressed his heartfelt appreciation to MSU-IIT for its exceptional organization of ACPES 2025—from the knowledge-rich sessions, grand opening and closing ceremonies, insightful discussions, to the warm hospitality and city tour.
“This ACPES is among the most inspiring conferences I have attended. It reflects the power of regional collaboration to advance sports science and preserve cultural heritage,” said Dr. Nizam.
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