KUALA LUMPUR: The government is committed to reforming the sports sector, ensuring that it is sustainable for future generations.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh touched on the often-overlooked topic of sports governance in her keybote address during the Malaysian Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (Maicsa) annual conference.
She noted that sports should cater to all Malaysians and the ministry is dedicated to exploring creative ideas to benefit stakeholders across the spectrum.
"Today, we have 103 gazetted sports, including not just traditional physical sports but also e-sports and mind sports.
"Sports is for everyone. We aim to ensure that our initiatives cater to all age groups and backgrounds," said Yeoh.
Meanwhile, Maicsa concluded its Annual Conference 2024, themed "Sustainability Today for Tomorrow" recently.
This year's conference brought together over 900 delegates, both in person and virtually, marking a significant milestone as the second edition of the hybrid format that enhances reach and inclusivity.
Recognising the significance of effective governance in sports Maicsa president Datuk Akbar Moidunny said the Chartered Governance Institute (CGI) UK has established the Sports Governance Academy.
"This academy will equip both students and professionals with the critical expertise needed to enhance governance within sports organisations.
"By addressing key areas such as governance principles, structures, and risk management, we aim to foster a culture of integrity, compliance, and stakeholder engagement in the sports industry," he said.
He noted that as a division of CGI UK, it is Maicsa's responsibility to bring attention to sports governance in Malaysia, reflecting the institute's commitment to advancing this critical area.
Akbar also reinforced the conference's central theme of integrating sustainability into all areas of governance.
"The actions we take today will determine the success of tomorrow. Sustainability is not merely an obligation but a strategic necessity for organisations aiming to thrive in an ever-changing environment," he said.
The conference featured 10 sessions led by industry experts, covering pressing topics such as regulatory updates by SSM, capital gains tax, sustainable business ecosystem, artificial intelligence in data protection, the vital role of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) frameworks, cybersecurity governance and more.