On 15th November 2022, the International Centre of Martial Arts for Youth Development and Engagement under UNESCO (UNESCO ICM) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) hosted a landmark international seminar in Chungju, South Korea. The UNESCO ICM – UiTM Joint International Seminar on Youth Development Through Martial Arts aimed to promote academic research and explore how martial arts can empower youth, women, and vulnerable communities worldwide.
The seminar featured experts from 10 countries and covered three key sessions: “Academic Approaches to Youth Martial Arts Practice”, “Martial Arts Education – Experiences and Lessons from the Field”, and “Youth Martial Arts Education – Theory, Practice, and Way Forward”. With over 100 participants, the event successfully connected theory with practical experiences in martial arts education, highlighting how martial arts contribute to physical and psychological well-being.
UiTM’s representatives, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamad Nizam Mohamed Shapie, presented groundbreaking research on teaching Silat to young migrants in Malaysia, emphasizing martial arts’ role in building resilience and identity among vulnerable youth. Additionally, Prof. Dr. Mohad Anizu Mohd Nor, Dean of UiTM’s Faculty of Sports Science and Recreation, acted as a moderator for the seminar. The event underscored UiTM’s commitment to martial arts research and global partnerships.
In support of this collaborative effort, Pertubuhan Seni Gayung Fatani Malaysia (PSGFM) also played an active role in the seminar. PSGFM, known for its efforts in promoting Silat as a national and international martial art, sent two representatives to Chungju, South Korea, to participate in the seminar and contribute to the discussions on youth development through martial arts. Their involvement further highlighted the importance of Silat in fostering youth empowerment and cultural identity.
The PSGFM representatives engaged in fruitful discussions and shared valuable insights on how Silat, as a traditional martial art, can be used to engage and uplift youth, particularly in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Their contributions were well-received by international participants, further cementing Silat’s position on the global stage as a martial art that contributes to both personal and community development.
Watch the Highlights of the Seminar Here:
PSGFM’s participation in the seminar not only strengthened its relationship with UNESCO ICM but also reinforced its long-standing partnership with UiTM in promoting martial arts education. This collaboration between academic and cultural institutions continues to elevate Malaysia’s martial arts, specifically Silat, on the world stage and enhances the global dialogue on the benefits of martial arts for youth development.
This seminar is part of the larger collaboration between UiTM and UNESCO ICM, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in September 2022. The partnership has fostered strategic research opportunities and continues to strengthen UiTM’s role as a global leader in martial arts education. Moreover, the seminar laid the groundwork for future collaborations, including the upcoming International Martial Arts & Combat Sports Scientific Society (IMACSSS) 2024 Conference, which will be hosted in Malaysia.
The success of this international seminar reflects the shared vision of UiTM and PSGFM to enhance martial arts education and research globally. By leveraging the power of martial arts, UiTM and UNESCO ICM are shaping the future of youth development and promoting cultural preservation worldwide.
