With deep humility and pride, Associate Professor Dr. Mohamad Nizam Mohamed Shapie has been officially nominated by Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) for the 16th National Academic Award (Anugerah Akademik Negara ke-16) in the Creative Arts and Writing category. This prestigious nomination is not merely a personal accolade—it is a recognition of a lifelong commitment to elevating Silat Melayu as an intellectual discipline, a sport science framework, and a cultural identity of Malaysia.
Dr. Nizam’s journey began not in lecture halls, but on the red earth of traditional Silat training grounds under the guidance of the late Adiguru Anuar Abdul Wahab. The philosophy “Win with humility, lose with dignity” became the foundation of his academic and cultural mission. From those early lessons, he began writing, teaching, and building systems that transformed Silat into a globally recognized scholarly field.
Academic Contributions and Publications
As both an academic and martial arts practitioner, Dr. Nizam has authored over 8 books and more than 100 indexed journal articles in the fields of martial arts, cultural heritage, and sports science. His notable works include:
- Silat: Warisan Bangsa Malaysia (JKKN & MOTAC)
- Silat Coaching Manuals Level 1 & 2 (World Silat Federation)
- Sports Science in Silat Southeast Asian Martial Arts (UNESCO ICM)
These publications are not only academic but also creative and soulful, documenting heritage, developing curricula, and reflecting the philosophy of the Malay warrior. His book on Southeast Asian Martial Arts is now a key reference for UNESCO in youth development through martial arts.
Innovation and Research Leadership
Dr. Nizam believes that innovation is essential for sustaining heritage. His leadership has birthed several pioneering projects:
- Silat EVO – A professional cage-format Silat competition integrating sports science, digital scoring, and VAR technology.
- Silat Tempur – A physical education model for children aged 7–14, awarded gold at IIDEX 2023 and recognized as an educational innovation.
- Silat For Beginners – An online training and certification platform that won gold awards at RISE2015 and TAC2015.
He also led two major UNESCO ICM research projects worth RM165,900 and RM167,047, reinforcing Silat as a tool for youth and social development.
Global Recognition and Cultural Diplomacy
Dr. Nizam’s work has reached global platforms. He has been appointed as:
- Expert Panel Member of UNESCO ICM
- Expert Professor of Martial Arts (EMAC)
- Chief Editor of the International Martial Arts & Culture Journal
His nomination for the National Academic Award is a testament to the impact of his work in bridging academia, culture, and innovation. It reflects a broader movement to position Silat Melayu not just as a martial art, but as a scholarly and cultural force.
As Malaysia continues to champion its heritage on the world stage, Dr. Nizam’s nomination serves as an inspiration for future scholars and cultural advocates. His journey proves that with vision, dedication, and humility, tradition can be transformed into a legacy of excellence.
