SHAH ALAM, 3 April 2025 – In conjunction with PASSMAL’s nationwide Silat outreach month, Dr. Mohamad Nizam Shapie, General Manager of PASSMAL and President of the World Silat Federation (WSF), delivered a keynote address on the importance of leadership and cultural identity in Silat development.
The event, held at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), highlighted seven leadership lessons drawn from Dr. Nizam’s 30-year journey in modernising Silat Malaysia.
7 Leadership Lessons from Dr. Nizam’s Silat Legacy:
- Vision with Cultural Integrity – Dr. Nizam’s leadership is rooted in preserving Silat Melayu while adapting it for modern relevance.
- Strategic Globalisation – His founding of WSF enabled Silat Malaysia to expand across continents.
- Youth Empowerment – Through Silat Tempur, he nurtures discipline and resilience in children.
- Academic Integration – His work at UiTM bridges Silat with sports science and research.
- Community Engagement – PASSMAL’s programmes under his guidance reach schools, villages, and urban centres.
- International Diplomacy – Dr. Nizam represents Silat at UNESCO ICM and IMACSSS, promoting Malaysia’s martial arts heritage.
- Mentorship and Legacy Building – He has trained hundreds of coaches and instructors, ensuring Silat’s continuity.
In parallel, PASSMAL launched a campaign titled “5 Ways PASSMAL Builds Cultural Identity Through Silat”, focusing on:
- Promoting Silat in schools and festivals
- Preserving traditional rituals and attire
- Encouraging intergenerational learning
- Integrating Silat into national heritage programmes
- Using Silat as a tool for unity and patriotism
“Silat is not just a martial art—it is the soul of our identity,” said Dr. Nizam.
The April campaign aims to deepen public appreciation of Silat as a cultural treasure and leadership tool.
