Tanjong Malim: Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) is making strides towards becoming a premier international kayaking hub with the development of a cutting-edge water sports facility at the UPSI Marina, valued at RM1 million. The initiative, spearheaded by its vice-chancellor, Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff, includes enhancements to the lake, acquisition of advanced kayaking equipment, and the integration of sports science expertise.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the facility aims to position UPSI as a leading destination for training, research, and the management of national water sports events. Dr Md Amin highlighted that UPSI's offerings go beyond physical infrastructure, with strong academic and technical expertise backing its initiatives. The university boasts four national-level kayaking experts at the Faculty of Sports Science and Coaching, ready to provide guidance to athletes and coaches.

The vice-chancellor emphasized the university's commitment to scientific research and up-to-date resources, which aim to establish UPSI as an integrated training centre for kayaking and a venue for international tournaments. Dr Md Amin made these remarks while opening the 16th UPSI Kayak Regatta at Gerbang Suria on the Sultan Azlan Shah Campus.

Dr Md Amin further stated that UPSI seeks official recognition from the Asian Canoe Confederation (ACC) to become a primary venue for canoe and dragon boat sports development. Achieving this recognition would elevate UPSI to international-class status in Malaysia for kayaking and dragon boat sports development.

Additionally, UPSI provides comprehensive educational opportunities for athletes, from diplomas to PhD programmes. A special pathway, Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Qualifications (APEL Q), is available for experienced coaches to further their education, allowing those with over 20 years of experience to pursue a Master of Education in Sports Science.