From October 1–3, 2025, Iligan City in the Philippines became a vibrant hub for sports science and cultural exchange as it hosted the 11th ASEAN Council of Physical Education and Sport (ACPES) International Conference. Among the distinguished delegates was Malaysia’s leading Silat scholar, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamad Nizam Mohamed Shapie, who represented Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and the Silat Melayu community with distinction.
Held at Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), the conference welcomed experts from across Southeast Asia to share insights on physical education, sports development, and cultural preservation. Dr. Nizam’s presence was a highlight, as he delivered two impactful presentations that positioned Silat Melayu not just as a martial art, but as a scholarly discipline rooted in sports science.
His first presentation, “Developing a Sports Science Coaching Framework for Silat: A Systematic Synthesis of Research from UiTM (2013–2024)”, showcased a decade of evidence-based coaching innovations. The second, “Evolving Silat Scholarship: Malaysia’s Path from Cultural Tradition to Global Academic Recognition”, traced Silat’s transformation from a traditional practice to a globally respected academic field. These works affirmed UiTM’s leadership in martial arts research and Dr. Nizam’s role as a regional thought leader.
Beyond the academic sessions, Dr. Nizam was invited to serve as a panel judge for parallel presentations, reflecting his stature in Southeast Asian martial arts scholarship. On the final evening, he joined the UiTM delegation in a Silat demonstration during the closing dinner, captivating international delegates with the elegance and depth of Malay martial heritage.
The conference concluded with a proud moment for Malaysia—Dr. Nizam was awarded Best Paper for Oral Presentation, recognizing his contribution to Silat’s academic evolution. His achievement not only honored UiTM’s research legacy but also spotlighted Silat Melayu as a cultural treasure worthy of global attention.
Dr. Nizam’s journey in Iligan was enriched by the warm hospitality of MSU-IIT hosts, including Prof. Dr. Manuel B. Barquilla, Dr. Saidi Hassan, and Dr. Kenneth Austria. Their support, along with the presence of Coach Muhammad Salehin Ramli from Singapore (PASSMAL Board Member), emphasized the growing regional collaboration in martial arts education.
The UiTM delegation, led by Assoc. Prof. Raja Mohammed Firhad Raja Azidin (Dean, Faculty of Sports Science and Recreation), included a dynamic team of academics and students who contributed to the conference’s success. Their participation strengthened academic ties and opened doors for future partnerships in sports science and cultural research.
Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Nizam described ACPES 2025 as “one of the most inspiring conferences I have attended,” praising its role in advancing regional cooperation and preserving Southeast Asia’s rich martial traditions.
Silat’s presence in Mindanao, through Dr. Nizam’s scholarship and demonstration, reaffirmed its relevance in contemporary academia and its power to unite cultures. As Silat continues to evolve, platforms like ACPES ensure its legacy is not only preserved but celebrated across borders.
