Kuala Lumpur, June 2025 – Martial Arts & Combat Sport Research Network (AIRBORNE) UiTM is taking a bold step toward globalizing Silat research through a collaboration with the UNESCO International Centre of Martial Arts (ICM). The partnership, since 2021 focused on joint research initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting Silat Melayu as an intangible cultural heritage while advancing its role in modern education and sports science.
The collaboration will prioritize academic studies on Silat’s historical evolution, biomechanics, and pedagogical frameworks. AIRBORNE via PASSMAL plans to share its Silat Malaysia Curriculum 2050 as a model for structured martial arts education, enabling UNESCO ICM researchers to analyze how traditional combat arts can be integrated into global learning systems.
“This partnership is about knowledge exchange and innovation,” said Dr. Mohamad Nizam Mohamed Shapie, Silat Expert of AIRBORNE and PASSMAL. “We are working with UNESCO ICM to develop research that not only safeguards Silat’s heritage but also positions it as a subject of scientific inquiry and cultural diplomacy.”
Key components of the collaboration include:
- Joint Research Projects: Studies on Silat’s technical movements, cultural symbolism, and its impact on youth development.
- Digital Knowledge Platforms: Expansion of AIRBORNE’s online learning tools, such as Silat for Beginners, to support global access to Silat education.
- International Conferences: Co-hosting academic forums to present findings and foster dialogue among martial arts scholars worldwide.
UNESCO ICM has expressed a strong interest in Malaysia’s approach to balancing tradition with modernization. The organization views Silat as a valuable case study for martial arts preservation and intercultural exchange. Plans are underway to publish collaborative research papers and create educational resources for schools and universities globally.
This initiative aligns with UiTM’s broader vision of academicising Silat. By embedding Silat into research and education, the organization aims to elevate its status beyond performance and competition, making it a recognized discipline in sports science and cultural studies.
As Malaysia strengthens its role in global martial arts governance, PASSMAL’s collaboration with AIRBORNE UiTM and UNESCO ICM signals a new era of scholarly engagement. The research outcomes are expected to influence policy, curriculum development, and heritage preservation strategies across Asia and beyond.
With this partnership, Silat is set to move from the training hall to the research lab—ensuring that its legacy is documented, understood, and celebrated worldwide.
