PETALING JAYA: The Sports and Mental Health Summit, hosted by the Nicol David Organisation (NDO) will be taking place in Bukit Jalil end of this month and is aimed at using the power of sport, physical activity and movement to combat Malaysia’s growing mental health challenges, particularly among children and youth.
The four-day event will take place at Pavilion Bukit Jalil from Oct 30 to Nov 2 and will unite leaders from business, education, sport, and government in a shared mission to make physical movement for mental health a national priority.
Former squash queen Datuk Nicol David, former badminton mixed doubles star Goh Liu Ying, former world squash champion Liz Irving, Paralympic boccia athlete Noor Askuzaimey Mat Salim, and others, will take part in discussions on empowering teachers and coaches as well as communities and families on building mental resilience through sport.
There will also be a special exhibition match featuring Nicol and Liu Ying with celebrities Jenn Chia and Shalma Ainaa as well as several Protech Ambassadors such as Hairul Azreen, Chan Peng Soon and Perry Kuan along with sports influencers in the line up.
According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey in 2023, one in five Malaysian children now experience mental health challenges. The same study also highlights that obesity and inactivity are rising, with more than half of Malaysian adults overweight or obese.
“This summit is one of our many efforts to mobilise national awareness and action to build a future-ready Malaysia where sport is central to education, community and national development.
“When children move, they build not just stronger bodies — but stronger minds. Through sport, we can teach discipline, confidence, teamwork and emotional balance,” said Nicol, the founder of NDO.