PUTRAJAYA: Squash legend Datuk Nicol David has praised Heriot-Watt University Malaysia for understanding the important role that sports can play in character building and uniting the nation.
Nicol, who was installed as pro-chancellor at the university's graduation ceremony here today, was honoured to take on the role.
The 40-year-old is the second female pro-chancellor of the university, succeeding Tan Sri Jemilah Mahmood.
As pro-chancellor, Nicol will serve as the honorary head of the university in Malaysia, representing Heriot-Watt in ceremonial and ambassadorial capacities, including conferring degrees on graduates.
"Heriot-Watt University is emphasising the fact that sports are the unifying factor which also builds values, values that it wants to instil in its students," said Nicol.
"Bringing me in as pro-chancellor is testament to their belief that sports can be a powerful tool in transforming students' lives while also placing a strong emphasis on education as well."
The eight-time world champion hopes that her appointment as Pro-Chancellor will also inspire more athletes to become leaders in their own right.
"I hope that more athletes will see this as a bigger opportunity for them to contribute and help students build values after they retire as sportsmen," she added.
Nicol said she had already started planning and preparing herself for life after competitive squash, two years before she retired in 2019.
"There were a lot of opportunities for myself after I retired and returned to Malaysia," she said.
"This includes being on the National Sports Institute's board as well as being involved with the Olympics.
"The biggest one, however, is being able to set up my own foundation. Being back at home has made a difference in terms of getting the visibility I need to reach out and help others through my foundation."
Nicol is also the deputy chef de mission for the national contingent that will compete at the Paris Olympics (July 26-Aug 11).