At the prestigious Asia Conference on Physical Education and Sports (ACPES) 2025 held in Iligan City, Philippines, Dr. Mohamad Nizam bin Mohamed Shapie made history for Malaysia and the global Silat community. His dual presentations not only captivated the academic audience but also earned him the Best Paper Oral Presentation Award, a recognition of his decade-long commitment to modernising and academicising Silat Melayu.
His first presentation, titled “Developing a Sports Science Coaching Framework for Silat: A Systematic Synthesis of Research from UiTM (2013–2024)”, was a comprehensive showcase of evidence-based coaching innovations. Drawing from over ten years of research at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Dr. Nizam outlined a structured framework that integrates biomechanics, performance analysis, and pedagogical strategies tailored for Silat athletes. This framework is now considered a benchmark for martial arts coaching in Southeast Asia, offering a scientific foundation for athlete development, injury prevention, and tactical training.
The second presentation, “Evolving Silat Scholarship: Malaysia’s Path from Cultural Tradition to Global Academic Recognition”, traced the transformation of Silat from a traditional martial art into a respected academic discipline. Dr. Nizam highlighted the role of Malaysian scholars, institutions, and international collaborations in elevating Silat studies to global platforms. His work demonstrated how Silat has moved beyond cultural preservation to become a subject of rigorous academic inquiry, contributing to fields such as anthropology, sports science, and international diplomacy.
These two papers not only affirmed UiTM’s leadership in martial arts research but also positioned Dr. Nizam as a regional thought leader in the academicisation of Silat. His contributions reflect a unique blend of cultural heritage and scientific innovation, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity.
The recognition at ACPES 2025 is more than a personal achievement—it is a victory for Malaysia’s martial arts community. It validates the efforts of researchers, coaches, and practitioners who have worked tirelessly to bring Silat into the global academic spotlight. Dr. Nizam’s success also strengthens PASSMAL’s mission to promote Silat Melayu through research, education, and international engagement.
As Silat continues to evolve, Dr. Nizam’s work serves as a guiding light for future scholars and practitioners. His vision of integrating sports science with cultural identity has set a new standard for martial arts research, inspiring a new generation to pursue excellence both in the arena and in academia.
