Nilai U officially launched as a Centre of Excellence for the sport of fencing.
Nilai University officially launched its Centre of Excellence of the sport of fencing (Pusat Sukan Tumpuan – Fencing) at its President Hall Fencing Centre on 8 Sep, 2014. This programme is an initiative by the Sports Division, Higher Education Sector of the Ministry of Education to help identify budding athletes and future world champions. Nilai University’s administrators were keen to be part of this initiative as they have always believed that a university is responsible for moulding well-rounded individuals who will positively contribute to society. The administrators recognise the importance of sports in helping achieve that goal.
(L-R): National fencer Joshua Koh I-Jie (Diploma in Agricultural Management), Prof. Datuk Dr. Megat Burhainuddin Megat Abdul Rahman (Nilai U Vice-Chancellor), Hazally Jali (Under Secretary, Sports Division, Higher Education Sector, Ministry of Education), and Prof. Emeritus Tengku Dato’ Shamsul Bahrin (Nilai U Chancellor) and national fencer Andrew Mok Vern Han (Bachelor of Business Administration).
Nilai U is only the second private higher education to have been selected to be part of the Ministry’s push to produce world class athletes in a variety of disciplines. The launch signifies the completion of the Fencing centre in the President Hall featuring relevant weapons, scoring machines protective outfits and fencing pistes. Two national fencers - Andrew Mok Vern Han (Bachelor of Business Administration) and Joshua Koh I-Jie (Diploma in Agricultural Management) – are also currently pursuing their higher education at Nilai U, allowing them to train and further their studies at the same time. A flexible timetable has also been devised to allow the national fencers to attend international meets without sacrificing their pursuit of higher academic qualifications. Part of this initiative is also to bring this niche sport of fencing to a wider audience with introductory courses and plans are also afoot to bring an international fencing coach to coach the fencers.
Present at this launch ceremony were Hazally Jali (Under Secretary, Sports Division, Higher Education Sector, Ministry of Education), Tuan Haji Norasid (President, Fencing Association of Negeri Sembilan), Prof. Datuk Dr. Megat Burhainuddin Megat Abdul Rahman (Nilai U Vice-Chancellor) and Prof. Emeritus Tengku Dato’ Shamsul Bahrin (Nilai U Chancellor)
