While specific “breakthrough” sports programmes are embedded within larger plans, Malaysia has been asserting its leadership in using sports as a tool to unite communities and improve quality of life.
Malaysia’s representative at SOMS 16
Affirming the leading role and laying the foundation for technology in the sports sector
The highlight of the activities is the dual event: the ASEAN Symposium on Sports Innovation (ASSI’25) and the 4th International Conference on Innovation and Technology in Sports (ICITS’25), taking place from 30 September to 2 October 2025. Co-organised by the Malaysian Institute of Sports (ISN) and the Malaysian Sports Technology Association (MYSTA), the conferences have become a meaningful interactive forum, bringing together leading representatives from the professional, research and technology sectors.
The biggest achievement was the adoption of the historic Kuala Lumpur Resolution. This document reaffirms the indispensable role of sports in social welfare, youth development and regional economic growth, while emphasizing technology and innovation as key drivers for the creation of a modern sports industry.
ASEAN Member States agreed on a common vision towards the establishment of an ASEAN Sports Technology and Innovation Hub, leveraging existing linkages and infrastructure to create a solid foundation for cooperation. The Resolution further promoted the formation of the ASEAN Sports Technology and Innovation Network (ASTIN) to enhance cross-border knowledge and innovation exchange, and committed to explore a financial mechanism for the ASEAN Sports Technology Fund (ASTechF) to support innovators in the region.
ASEAN Secretariat hears from delegation representatives
Sports as a platform for youth health and inclusion
Besides the technology focus, Malaysia also focuses on the social aspect, particularly through the ASEAN Youth Conference (AYC) 2025 to be held in Kuala Lumpur (6-8 November 2025). The conference is expected to bring together 200 young leaders to foster dialogue on the theme of “The Role of Youth in Building an Inclusive and Sustainable ASEAN”.
The event will highlight “Promoting Mental Wellbeing through Inclusive Youth Sports”, showing a clear focus on using sports as a tool to serve the holistic well-being, mental health and social inclusion of young people.
Malaysia sees sports not only as competition but also as therapy and a bridge. By integrating sports programmes into its youth development framework, the country aims to improve mental health and promote social inclusion, ensuring no one is left behind, in line with the “Inclusive” spirit of the mandate.
Strategic Planning for the Future of ASEAN Sports
A strategic highlight of Malaysia’s tenure was the holding of the Consultative Workshop on the Mid-Term Review of the ASEAN Work Plan on Sports 2021-2025 and the Development of the ASEAN Work Plan on Sports 2026-2030.
Previously, on 24-25 September 2025, Malaysia successfully hosted the Consultative Workshop on the Final Review of the ASEAN Work Plan on Sports 2021–2025 and the Development of the Vision for ASEAN Sports Cooperation 2026-2030.
Based on a detailed assessment of the performance and value of the current plan, the Workshop shaped the foundational vision for strategic planning and forward-looking planning for the period 2026-2030. Delegates worked together to find solutions to enhance national activities to support regional activities, and to best position and enhance regional strategies to contribute to the development of ASEAN as a hub of sporting excellence.
Day 1 of SOMS 16
This planning process is the foundation to define the direction for regional sports cooperation in the next half decade, focusing on three key areas:
Technology and Innovation: Promoting the application of technology to improve sports performance and management.
Clean Sport: Strengthening cooperation with international bodies such as the World Anti-Doping Agency to strengthen anti-doping and ensure fair competition.
Sports Economy: Harnessing the potential of sport as an economic driver, including the development of Sports Tourism and the Sports Industry.
Ha Phuong