MALAYSIA: More athletes with degrees needed - Minister

Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, says that more national athletes with tertiary qualifications are needed so that the country can be represented at international events by "thinking athletes", the national news agency Bernama reports. "We want at least 30% of our national athletes to be those studying in institutions of higher learning," he said after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Sports Development.

Muhyiddin said the meeting approved the Sports Development Policy at institutions of higher learning presented by the Higher Education Ministry for implementation based on seven core principles. "These include acculturation of sports, development of sports infrastructure as well as providing incentive schemes for athletes in the relevant institutions," he said.

He also said the meeting agreed to set up the first Asean Universities Sports Council, based in Malaysia, to streamline sports activities for institutions of higher learning in South East Asia.
Full report on the Bernama site