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Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) has strengthened its commitment to sporting excellence and innovation through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with JM Hockey Academy, Malaysia’s largest field hockey academy, on 20 May 2026. 

The collaboration marks a significant step towards enhancing hockey development at APU while creating opportunities for talent cultivation, leadership development, and sports research. The MoU was formalised at the Senate Meeting Room of APU’s iconic campus in Technology Park Malaysia (TPM), Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur.

Representing JM Hockey Academy were its Founder, Mr Jiwan Mohan, and Prominent Coach, Ms Shelley Danang, both of whom are former national hockey players who have dedicated themselves to nurturing the next generation of athletes. APU was represented by its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr Ho Chin Kuan, in the presence of Professor Ir EUR ING Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam, Chief Innovation, Enterprise & Sustainability Officer. 

Also attending the ceremony were Dr Sarvinder Kaur, Director of Student Engagement; Ms Hema Latha Krishna Nair, Senior Lecturer from the School of Computing and Lead of the Asia Pacific Centre for Analytics (APCA); and Ms Nina Qistina Badrul Hisham, Executive of Student Affairs. 

Founded in Penang in 2018, the Jiwa Mohan Hockey Academy, better known as JM Hockey Academy, has grown rapidly over the years. From its beginnings as a grassroots initiative, the academy has expanded its footprint to Kuala Lumpur and now serves approximately 300 players. Driven by a vision of inclusivity and diversity, the academy provides comprehensive technical, tactical, and conditioning programmes catering to players of all skill levels. As a leading hub for hockey enthusiasts, JM Hockey Academy aims to further expand its outreach and achieve a target of 1,000 players by 2026.

The partnership with APU reflects a shared ambition to develop well-rounded student-athletes while leveraging technology and research to support sporting performance. 

Under the collaboration, JM Hockey Academy will serve as a coaching advisor to the APU Hockey Team, offering professional guidance and expertise to elevate the team’s development. The academy will also contribute leadership-focused guest lectures, enabling students to gain valuable insights from experienced athletes and coaches. In addition, JM Hockey Academy will be open to participating in technology-driven case studies, creating opportunities for innovative solutions to be explored within the sporting environment. 

On the academic front, APU will offer merit-based scholarships to state and national players from JM Hockey Academy, supporting talented athletes in pursuing higher education while continuing their sporting journey. The university will also extend opportunities to students involved in research and development projects related to hockey player performance analytics, encouraging the application of data, technology, and innovation in sports. 

The collaboration aligns naturally with APU’s long-standing involvement in sports research and development. Since 2014, the university has actively undertaken Sports R&D initiatives, with findings and innovations contributing to the broader Malaysian sports ecosystem. Research outcomes have been utilised by the Institute Sukan Negara across multiple disciplines, including Taekwondo, badminton, cycling, and squash. 

Notably, APU has collaborated closely with the Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM), working directly with its Director of Coaching, Mr Andrew Cross, on studies aimed at enhancing athlete performance and development. These efforts demonstrate APU’s capability in applying advanced analytics, technology, and interdisciplinary expertise to address real-world sporting challenges.

Through this partnership with JM Hockey Academy, APU continues to strengthen the intersection between education, sports, and innovation. By combining elite coaching expertise with research-driven approaches and academic opportunities, both organisations are poised to create meaningful impact for aspiring athletes while contributing to the advancement of hockey in Malaysia.