UNIVERSITI Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) is charting new territory as an international kayaking hub, developing a state-of-the-art water sports facility worth RM1mil at the UPSI Marina in Perak.
Its vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff said the initiative, which included enhancement of the lake, acquisition of the latest kayaking equipment, specialised reference materials and the support of sports science expertise, had positioned UPSI as a leading destination for training, research and the management of national water sports events.
“UPSI offers more than just physical infrastructure. We are backed by strong academic capabilities and technical expertise,” he told Bernama.
The university currently has four national-level kayaking experts based at the Faculty of Sports Science and Coaching, ready to provide guidance and advisory services to athletes, coaches and sports organisations, he highlighted.
With ongoing scientific research, up-to-date reference resources and the application of cutting-edge water sports technology, UPSI is poised to become an integrated training centre for kayaking as well as a platform for organising local and international tournaments, he said.
Prof Md Amin said this when opening the 16th UPSI Kayak Regatta at Gerbang Suria on the Sultan Azlan Shah Campus near Tanjong Malim in Perak.
“Our aim is not just to produce excellent athletes but also to develop kayaking through a holistic approach that encompasses training, sports science, management and education,” he said.
Prof Md Amin said UPSI was in the process of securing official recognition from the Asian Canoe Confederation as one of the primary venues for canoe and dragon boat sports development and championships in the country.
“Once recognised, UPSI will join the ranks of Malaysian universities with international-class status as a centre for kayaking and dragon boat sports development,” he added.
UPSI offers comprehensive educational opportunities for athletes, ranging from diploma to doctorate programme.
This includes a special pathway known as Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Qualifications (APEL Q), tailored for coaches.
“We believe sports and education should progress together.
“Through this dedicated pathway, coaches with over 20 years of experience can further their studies through the Master of Education programme in Sports Science,” said Prof Md Amin.
