‘Research crucial in fostering innovation’

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The conference’s participants listening attentively to the talk. — Photo by Jeffrey Mostapa

The conference’s participants listening attentively to the talk. — Photo by Jeffrey Mostapa

KUCHING: Conducting research is crucial to foster innovation in order to thrive in today’s globalised and competitive world.

Former Minister of Social Development Tan Sri William Mawan said this also applied to sports science and sports psychology, whereby through research and enquiry, theory and practice would interact in a cycle of continuous change for the better.

“For instance, it is only through continuous research that amputees and other disabled athletes are able to compete in the same events as non-disabled athletes.

“Through innovation, there is no limit to how much further we can push the limit of the human body,” he said in his speech read by the advisor of Sukma International Sports Science and 2nd Malaysian Sports Psychology Conference (SISSMSPC), Hamsiah Abdullah Masni, who is also the director of Institute of Teacher Education Tun Abdul Razak Campus, after the closing of the conference here yesterday.

Mawan added that professionals in sports-related fields should make an effort to immerse themselves in the culture of research.

“Questions such as ‘What are Physical Education teachers teaching our children in schools?’, ‘What measures can be taken to ensure that our children are fitter and healthier?’ need evidence for support.

“Evidence-based enquiry is the basis of science, be it the science of sports and sports psychology, or the science of education. Evidence can either strengthen or challenge existing theories and principles, but in either case, the theory or principle concerned becomes more robust or complex as a result,” he said.

Mawan, who is also the conference patron, said the conference, would enable those involved to communicate with like-minded people resulting in ideas growing and multiplying long after the conclusion of the conference.

“As professionals in the field of Sports Science and Sports Psychology, it is more beneficial to share what we know. Without the flow of ideas and research findings, it is easy to become stagnant in our thinking and practices, and if carried to the extreme, may even result in an insular attitude that will surely be the death of innovation and continual development.

“An idea kept to yourself affects only you, but an idea shared with others can affect billions,” he said.

Themed ‘Enhancing Sports Science and Sports Psychology in Sports, Physical Activities and Health’, the three-day conference provided a platform for practitioners and academicians to share their best practices and knowledge for the improvement of these two disciplines at all levels.

The conference was organised by IPG Tun Abdul Razak Campus in collaboration with Sarawak Sports Corporation, Sarawak State Sports Council, IPG Batu Lintang Campus and UiTM Sarawak.