Kuala lumpur: Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Malaysian Sepaktakraw Federation (PSM) to strengthen strategic cooperation in education, research, and community service. UPSI Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff stated that the MoU would create more opportunities for national sepak takraw athletes to pursue their studies at the university.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the collaboration reflects UPSI's commitment to supporting the nation's human capital development by merging academic excellence with sporting achievement. UPSI is set to offer educational opportunities to PSM athletes at all levels of study, subject to academic qualifications, while providing flexible schedules to accommodate their training and competition commitments.

Md Amin emphasized that the collaboration goes beyond being a symbolic document, aiming to translate into concrete, high-impact action plans for the benefit of both institutions and the development of national sports. UPSI is also prepared to share its expertise in technical development, coaching, officiating, and sports technology, as well as provide the necessary facilities and resources to ensure the collaboration is continuously implemented and monitored.

The MoU, which will be in effect for three years with the possibility of extension by mutual agreement, is expected to lead to a more detailed Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) in the future. Signed at the Chancellery Building, Sultan Abdul Jalil Shah Campus in Tanjong Malim, the MoU will also focus on talent development, sharing of technical and sports science expertise, and establishing a national training center for sepak takraw.

PSM Vice-President Tengku Zaihan Che Ku Abdul Rahman highlighted that the collaboration would provide a more secure formal education pathway for national and state sepak takraw athletes, including those from Malaysian Sports Schools and State Sports Schools. The partnership between UPSI's sports science expertise and PSM's technical experience is expected to enhance the development of talented players, coaches, and qualified technical officials in sepak takraw. He also expressed hope that the MoU would serve as a reference model for strategic collaboration between national sports bodies and other higher education institutions in the country.