A NEW education-industry collaboration has been initiated in Penang to provide student athletes with proper academic and career pathways, ensuring they can continue to succeed beyond their sporting glory.
State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi said the initiative not only focuses on sports development and high performance, but also prepares athletes for life after their playing careers.
“This is a good effort to make sure that after their success as athletes, they have a clear direction in life. Today we gather here as a sign of commitment and collaboration between the Academy of Malaysia Business TVET and the Penang Basketball Association,” he said after witnessing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony.
Gooi explained that apart from digital marketing, the programme also opens opportunities in the sports industry, event management and other fields requiring technical skills and digital expertise.
“Most importantly, students will not only complete their education and gain Malaysian Skills Certificates, but with the cooperation of the academy and overseas institutions, they will also have the chance to pursue degrees and further their studies,” he said.
He assured the parents that their children’s future would be safeguarded and looked into.
“We want to make sure athletes are not left behind after their careers. With collaborations like this, we ensure they have the right pathway to success in both their sporting life and future careers,” he added.
Academy of Malaysia Business TVET dean Thing Khor said the specialised training module has also been introduced to help student athletes balance education and sports, particularly those pursuing basketball.
She said many athletes tend to discontinue either their studies or their sporting activities after secondary school due to the absence of a clear pathway.
“Most of their time is spent on training, which often affects their academic performance. When they graduate, many are fearful of furthering their studies,” she said.
To address this, Thing Khor highlighted a Digital Marketing syllabus that is integrating academic learning with basketball training.
“Instead of spending four years, students can complete this programme in three years. It provides them with both an academic foundation and opportunities for advancement in their basketball careers,” she said.
Penang Basketball Association president Datuk Ooi Khoon Yeong emphasised the importance of developing athletes both on and off the court.
“I did not come from an academic background. Many of us were told by our teachers that we were not good enough, and some of my peers lost their way because they had neither skills nor education,” he said.
He explained the academy was established so that students could pursue both sports and studies.
“Playing basketball is not just about sports. Athletes also need knowledge and character,” he said.
Also present was Penang State Sports Council director Harry Chai.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Siew Chia En