The International Martial Arts and Malay Silat Festival (IMAF 2022), held from 28th to 30th September 2022 at the Everly Hotel, Putrajaya, was a shining example of Pertubuhan Seni Gayung Fatani Malaysia (PSGFM) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)‘s expertise in organizing large-scale international events. With the support of UNESCO ICM and other key partners, the event successfully brought together global martial artists, scholars, and enthusiasts to celebrate martial arts and cultural unity.
The event attracted over 1000 participants, including 22 international delegates from UNESCO ICM and martial artists from countries such as Malaysia, Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Brazil, and Cambodia. IMAF 2022 offered a diverse array of activities, including Silat, Pencak Silat, Wushu, Taekkyeon, Aikido, and Capoeira workshops, competitions, and performances, showcasing both traditional and modern martial arts practices. The event’s success in bringing together different martial arts communities underscored UiTM and PSGFM’s organizational strength and their ability to foster cultural exchange on a global platform.
IMAF 2022 also facilitated major international partnerships. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between UiTM, UNESCO ICM, PESONA, and PSGFM during the event, furthering collaboration in research, education, and martial arts development. The Silat Seni and Silat Olahraga competitions, featuring over 120 participants from countries including Syria, UAE, and Bangladesh, highlighted the event’s international reach and the commitment to promoting Silat as Malaysia’s national martial art.
The event aligned with UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), emphasizing health, education, gender equality, and global partnerships. By organizing IMAF 2022, PSGFM and UiTM successfully positioned Malaysia as a hub for martial arts and cultural exchange, furthering the goal of strengthening Silat as the country’s national martial art and enhancing Malaysia’s presence on the international stage.
As we look forward to the upcoming IMACSSS & GSMACC 2024, the success of IMAF 2022 serves as a testament to PSGFM and UiTM‘s capability to deliver impactful and high-quality international events. The foundation laid by IMAF 2022 reflects the organizers’ dedication to martial arts, cultural preservation, and global collaboration. Relive the highlights of IMAF 2022 on YouTube: IMAF 2022 Highlights
