Massive boost for cricket

Prof Chan is pleased with the agreement the university and the cricket association have.

MALAYSIAN cricket received a shot in the arm when the national association entered into a partnership with Help University to develop cricketers.

This comes after Help and the Malaysian Cricket Association (MCA) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) in an online ceremony that included several dignitaries.

Among them was Cricket Malaysia patron Tunku Tan Sri Imran Tuanku Ja’afar, the association’s president Mohammed Iqbal Ali Kassim Ali, Help University vice-chancellor and president Professor Datuk Dr Paul Chan, deputy vice-chancellor Research Professor Datuk Dr Zakaria Ahmad, International Cricket Council (ICC) associate member director Mahinda Vallipuram, ICC general manager – Development William Glenwright and ICC development manager Asia Region Aminul Islam.

Commenting on the partnership Mohammed Iqbal said it was “in line with the mission to help people succeed in life and to live a life of significance through education”.

Adding that they looked forward to the partnership, he said the purpose of the MoA “is to help develop Malaysian cricket as a world-class sport and provide the players with an affordable, quality educational opportunity”.

In promoting the collaboration between Help University and the cricket association, both parties agreed to a mutual and beneficial programme whereby Help University will support the progress of cricket excellence by providing scholarships to deserving cricket players, both local and international.

In return, the MCA will source for international students to study at Help University, and also assist in branding the university through their live stream matches around the world.

MCA will serve as a marketing agent, given their established links with colleges and school networks in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, to secure talented and bright students each year for placement at Help University, to pursue their education in foundation, diploma and/or degree courses.

Prof Chan said of the move: “Over the years, Help students have excelled in many national, regional and international sports competitions. And collaborating with the Malaysian Cricket Association is timely.

“Cricket is a game which helps character and leadership development, and is a vital part of a balanced education.

“We will support efforts to help Malaysians to become world-class cricketers. It is in our mission to help people succeed in life and to live a life of significance through education. This includes sports education like cricket.”

Through this initiative, Help University aspires to be a centre of cricket excellence, supporting the progress and advancement of the sport which is slowly developing into a force to be reckoned.

“This initiative strengthens and sustains our history of being the university of choice for Malaysian and also young international athletes, to not only excel in their tertiary education, but to also achieve their sporting ambitions,” said Prof Chan.

“We also plan to help those who are retired from the sport to get their tertiary education or other skill sets.”

Mohammed Iqbal added: “Signing this agreement with Help University signifies ‘Hope’. Being an ardent advocate of continuous learning, the Malaysian cricket fraternity recognises the importance of education.

“Through providing educational opportunities, we see hope in being able to positively shape the trajectory of our players’ future, which will augur well not only for them but for their families and for the nation.”