KBS Recognises USM As National Sports Industry Centre Of Excellence

GEORGE TOWN, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has achieved another prestigious milestone by being recognised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) as the National Sports Industry Centre of Excellence (PKISN) under the National Sports Industry Plan (PISN).

In a statement today, USM said the recognition places the university as the country's main reference institution in empowering a competitive sports industry, in line with the sustainable development agenda and Malaysia's aspiration to make the sports sector a driver of the country's new economic growth.

"The appointment also strengthens USM's role as an institution of higher education capable of integrating research, innovation, and multidisciplinary expertise in shaping a sustainable and high-impact sports ecosystem," according to a statement.

Meanwhile, USM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Rahman Mohamed, in the same statement, said the sports industry plays an important role in the country's development from economic, social and health aspects.

He said it not only created job opportunities and generated income through the tourism, broadcasting, and sponsorship sectors but also strengthened unity among people of various races through the spirit of sports.

Commenting on the recognition given to USM, Abdul Rahman said USM is ready to support the country's major sports industry agenda, thus translating the university's commitment to empowering the nation's human capital development.

“USM is also constantly striving to expand its network of strategic partnerships with government and private agencies, as well as drive research-based innovation to enhance the capabilities and competitiveness of the country's athletes on the world stage," he said.

Meanwhile, according to a statement, the Cabinet approved the PISM on July 9, which outlines the strategic direction for empowering the country's sports industry to become a significant contributor to the economy.

It is also in line with the government's desire to elevate the sports industry as one of the new engines of economic growth, and the Cabinet also approved the establishment of PKISN at four public universities, including USM.

"USM's appointment as a PKISN with sustainable development as its core agenda is very fitting with USM's role as a university that pioneered this agenda. For the record, USM's recognition as a PKISN is in line with the university's outstanding achievements in the sustainable development agenda at the global level," said the statement.

In the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025, USM is named the world's No 1 university for three Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): No Poverty (SDG 1), Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).

Overall, USM is ranked 14th best in the world out of 2,526 universities evaluated in the ranking.

-- BERNAMA