NEWS
2025.03.28
SSS #12: ASEAN-JAPAN Malaysia Research Report
Seijo University’s International Research Center for Sports and Gender Equality (SGE) operates the YouTube channel "Sport for Social Solutions (SSS)". This channel highlights sports as a platform for addressing social issues, featuring a wide range of guests including experts, government officials, and athletes to share information and exchange ideas.
International Research Center for Sports and Gender Equality, Seijo University YouTube Channel:
The theme of SSS Episode 12 is "ASEAN-JAPAN Malaysia Research Report."
Malaysia, located at the heart of Southeast Asia, is a multi-ethnic and multicultural nation where Malays, Chinese, Indians, and numerous indigenous groups coexist. With diverse languages, religions, and cultures interwoven, how do Malaysian women engage in sports?
As part of a subcontracted project by Japan’s Sports Agency, SGE has been leading the initiative "ASEAN-JAPAN Actions on Sport: Gender Equality," in which Japan and ten ASEAN governments collaborate to promote gender equality through sports. One of the major activities of this project is a research study initiated in 2023 to identify the challenges and needs related to sports participation among women and girls in ASEAN-Japan regions.
Malaysia was the sixth and final country surveyed in the 2024 fiscal year. In this episode, SGE postdoctoral researchers Yu Furuta and Yushi Miyazawa share their reflections on their field study in Malaysia.
Reports on previously researched countries, including Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Brunei, can be accessed here.
The Quota System and Sports in Malaysia
When asked about key insights from the research, Yu first pointed out the "quota system" as a notable aspect of Malaysian society. Introduced in 1971 as a core policy under the New Economic Policy (NEP), the quota system was designed to address economic disparities among ethnic groups by allocating reserved opportunities in education, employment, and business ownership for the Malay residents (Bumiputera), who make up about 70% of the population.
Furthermore, Yu explained, "Perhaps because of the quota system, each community chooses sports based on its own values." For example, among the Malay population, where many are Muslim, women tend to participate in non-contact sports such as badminton and netball. In contrast, the Chinese population has more freedom in choosing their sports. Yu also shared that during interviews, it was particularly striking how individuals respected each other's cultural perspectives without interference.
In response, Yushi pointed out that Malaysia is the only ASEAN country that continues to implement a quota system despite the fact that many ASEAN nations are composed of multiple ethnic groups. He emphasized that this is an important point to consider when thinking about diversity. Like Yu, she observed during the interviews that people from different ethnic backgrounds engaged in discussions while respecting each other's perspectives. She noted that Malaysia does not attempt to fit its diverse population into a single framework but rather respects diversity as it is—something that other countries can learn from.
Safeguarding in Sports and Promoting Gender Equality
The discussion then shifted to Malaysia's proactive approach to "safeguarding" in sports. Since Hannah Yeoh, a female politician, assumed the role of Minister of Youth and Sports in April 2023, Malaysia has made rapid progress in creating safe and inclusive sports environments and promoting gender equality in sports.
During the field research, the team visited a government training facility for elite athletes, where they observed safeguarding guidelines prominently displayed in common areas used by athletes, coaches, and staff. Additionally, initiatives such as forums on coaching female athletes are being actively implemented to ensure safer and more supportive environments for women in sports.
Learning from Each Other: The Future of Sports in Malaysia and Japan
In Malaysia, male coaches often use tools like sticks instead of direct physical contact when teaching female athletes. Yushi pointed out that while this method is important from a religious and psychological safety standpoint, maintaining high-quality coaching will require further innovation. He also emphasized that the shortage of female coaches is a fundamental issue behind this challenge. Yu noted that Japan faces similar issues and that both Malaysia and Japan can learn from each other’s experiences in addressing them.
Furthermore, as Japan sees an increase in immigrant populations, its physical education system must adapt to the needs of children from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. Drawing from her research on PE instruction for foreign children, Yu stated: "Japan can learn a lot from Malaysia and other multi-ethnic nations on how to create inclusive sports environments while respecting cultural differences."
Yushi reinforced this idea: "Rather than positioning Japan as a model, we should prioritize mutual learning and collaboration. That mindset is essential for SGE’s work in this field."
Finally, Yu suggested the need for a platform where practitioners from Japan and ASEAN countries can engage in direct discussions and share experiences. She expressed enthusiasm about creating opportunities for sports professionals across nations to collaborate and find solutions together.
Watch the full video of this report here:
