Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – 19th September 2024 

Aspetar, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, and International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU( to collaborate in the fields of Sports Medicine, Sports Surgery, and Sports Science. The signing ceremony took place in Malaysia on September 18, marking a significant milestone in the partnership between the two organizations.

The signing ceremony was attended by His Excellency the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Malaysia, Mr. Salah bin Mohammed Al-Sorour. Dr. Abdulaziz Jaham Al Kuwari, CEO of Aspetar Hospital, and Professor Dr. Ahmad Faris Ismail, representing the President of the International Islamic University Malaysia, signed the MoU.

Commenting on the collaboration, Dr. Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, CEO of Aspetar, said:

Our partnership with the esteemed International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) marks a significant milestone in nurturing a new generation of sports medicine professionals. By combining our expertise and resources, we aim to create a premier educational platform that fosters innovation and groundbreaking research. Together, we will work towards improving athlete health and performance, shaping the future of sports medicine on a global scale.

Prof. Dr. Ahmad Faris Ismail, Covering Rector of IIUM, said

This ceremony marks the initiation of a strategic collaboration with Aspetar one of sports medicine leading hospitals, that we believe will pave the way for transformative advancements in the future of sports medicine research and academic exchange. This partnership aligns with our shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and contributing to the well-being of society through collaborative efforts.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Ambassador of Qatar to Malaysia and Aspetar management for their unwavering support in fostering international cooperation. This agreement represents more than just a document; it symbolizes a shared vision, mutual respect between our institutions, and a golden opportunity for collaborative research, staff exchanges, joint conferences, seminars, and workshops to enhance our academic landscapes and significantly contribute to the advancement of sports medicine." Added Dr Ahmad Faris.

The MoU aims to establish a foundation for cooperation between the two organizations to enhance productivity, training, expertise exchange, and the sharing of knowledge in the academic and research fields of sports medicine.

The partnership will focus on developing comprehensive training programs that equip healthcare professionals with the latest skills and knowledge in sports medicine, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of the field.

Additionally, the collaboration will prioritize research initiatives addressing critical issues in sports medicine and surgery. Through joint research projects, the partners aim to generate new insights and develop innovative solutions to improve the care and treatment of athletes.

Furthermore, the MoU includes provisions for exploring additional areas of cooperation, such as mentorship programs, joint workshops, and international conferences. These initiatives will foster knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration among experts in the field.

Since its establishment in 2016, Sultan Ahmad Shah Medical Centre @IIUM (SASMEC @IIUM) has made significant efforts to upgrade and expand the scope of its healthcare services. Through the SASMEC @IIUM flagship and strategic planning initiative, the IIUM Sports Medicine Clinic (ISMEC) has been officially founded, offering the public specialized services in sports injuries, sports surgeries, and regenerative therapies.

Aspetar is a world-renowned orthopedic and sports medicine hospital and a FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, offering highly specialized orthopedic treatment and rehabilitation for sports-related injuries, as well as comprehensive medical care for athletes.

About International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)

International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) is a public university which has been established on 20 May 1983. IIUM has been known to be the most influential Islamic tertiary education institute in the country as well as one of the leading Islamic universities in the Muslim world. To note, IIUM has produced more than 70,000 graduates and undergraduates from more than 100 countries around the world. In July 2024, IIUM has been ranked as the second best Islamic University in the world by UniRank.

The establishment of IIUM Medical Centre back in 2016 expanded the role that IIUM played in the healthcare industry for the local community and global contribution through medical research. After being renamed to Sultan Ahmad Shah Medical Centre @IIUM (SASMEC @IIUM) in 2020, the forth Malaysian university teaching hospital has undergone extra miles to improve and stretch the scope of its healthcare services. SASMEC @IIUM is the first teaching hospital in the country certified for Malaysian Standard Shariah-Based Quality Management System (MS 1900:2014).

IIUM Sports Medicine Clinic (ISMEC) is an extensive plan to elaborate and develop expertises on sports medicine in the country. The idea has been actualised through the SASMEC @IIUM flagship and strategic planning initiative with the aim to offer specialized services in sports injuries, sports surgeries, and regenerative therapies. With the completion expected by the end of 2024, ISMEC is expanding its facilities to include advanced sports injury treatments and specialized clinics.

About Aspetar

[Aspetar is a world-leading specialized orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital and the first of its kind in the Middle East. Since 2007, with a world-class team of experts, the hospital has provided top-level comprehensive medical treatment to athletes in a state-of-the-art facility that sets new international standards.

In 2009, Aspetar was accredited as a “FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence” by F-MARC. In 2013, Aspetar was adopted as a reference collaborator center by the Gulf Countries Council (GCC) Health Ministers Council, and in 2014 it was recognized as “The IOC Research Centre for Prevention of Injury and Protection of Athlete Health.”

In 2015, Aspetar was recognized as the “IHF Reference Centre for Athlete and Referee Health.” That same year, on December 15, the hospital also achieved Accreditation Canada International (ACI) “Platinum Level.” Aspetar is a member organization of Aspire Zone Foundation, Qatar’s innovative sports and healthy lifestyle destination].