The ASEAN Symposium on Sports Innovation 2025 (ASSI’25) and the 4th International Conference on Innovation and Technology in Sports (ICITS’25) officially commenced today in Kuala Lumpur, bringing together global and regional leaders in sports science, technology and innovation for a three (3) day programme from 30 September to 2 October 2025 at Renaissance Hotel & Convention Centre Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The opening ceremony was officiated by YBrs. Puan Chan Hong Jin, Deputy Secretary-General (Strategic), Ministry of Youth and Sports, who welcomed approximately 300 participants, including government officials, keynote speakers, representatives from the sports technology & innovation (STI) ecosystem, academia and students from ASEAN Member States, ASEAN Plus partners and international institutions. The event is organised by the National Sports Institute of Malaysia (ISN).
Prestigious Speakers and Regional Expertise
ASSI’25 and ICITS’25 feature keynote speakers from world-renowned institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), and the Global Sports Innovation Centre (GSIC) Singapore.
In addition to Malaysian experts, the symposium hosts participation from nearly all ASEAN Member States, alongside ASEAN Plus partners Japan, China and India—demonstrating a strong international network of knowledge exchange.
Resolution and MoU Signing
A key outcome of the symposium will be the adoption of the Kuala Lumpur Resolution on Sports Innovation and Technology, developed in consultation with ASEAN delegations and invited guests. Furthermore, a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed to enhance cooperation in research, innovation and technology transfer, reinforcing ASEAN’s commitment to building a stronger sports innovation ecosystem.
Alignment with National Strategic Plans
YBrs. Puan Chan Hong Jin emphasised that this symposium supports Malaysia’s aspirations under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13) and the Pelan Industri Sukan Malaysia (PISM).
These efforts will be made even more meaningful through collaboration with other ministries such as MOSTI, agencies like NTIS, and our neighbour Singapore via GSIC by Microsoft, aiming to expand the sports technology and innovation market, strengthen Malaysia’s STI ecosystem, and position sports as both a driver of economic growth and a platform for regional collaboration.
Economic and Innovation Outlook
Malaysia’s sports industry contributed RM19.6 billion in 2022, representing 1.34% of GDP, with a 12.1% year-on-year growth.
The sports and outdoor market in Malaysia is projected to grow at a 9.24% CAGR, reaching US$196 million by 2027.
Malaysia, through the Sports Satellite Account, is the first ASEAN nation to systematically track the sports sector’s economic contribution.
Programme Highlights
Over the three days, participants will engage in plenary sessions, research paper presentations, workshops and innovation showcases. In addition, local Malaysian brands have been invited to participate at exhibition booths, providing a platform to penetrate ASEAN, ASEAN Plus and beyond.
As the organisers emphasise: “No One is Left Behind!” Accepted papers will be published in Scopus-indexed proceedings, providing international recognition to the research community.
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“ASSI’25 and ICITS’25 mark an important milestone for ASEAN and our partners. The Kuala Lumpur Resolution and MoU signings will accelerate our shared vision of advancing sports innovation, supported by research, technology and collaboration.
This is aligned with RMK-13 and Pelan Industri Sukan Malaysia, where Malaysia and the region will expand opportunities in the sports innovation and technology market,” said Puan Chan Hong Jin, Deputy Secretary-General (Strategic), Ministry of Youth and Sports.
