Aspetar and International Islamic University Malaysia Forge Groundbreaking Partnership to Advance Sports Medicine and Innovation

Press release

Published September 20th, 2024 - 09:29 GMT

Aspetar and International Islamic University Malaysia Forge Groundbreaking Partnership to Advance Sports Medicine and Innovation

During the event.

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.

Background Information

Aspetar

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

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

In 2015, Aspetar has been recognised as the “IHF Reference Centre for Athlete and Referee Health”. In 2017, Aspetar was awarded World Health Organization’s Patient Safety Friendly Hospital-Level 3 designation.

In 2018, Aspetar – Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital was officially awarded Diamond Level accreditation status by Accreditation Canada. This is the highest level of accreditation award possible under the program and awarded to highly committed and quality-oriented organizations that monitor outcomes, use evidence and best practice to improve services. Aspetar is now the first hospital in the State of Qatar to be awarded this coveted Diamond Level Status. Aspetar is a member–organisation of Aspire Zone Foundation, Qatar’s innovative sports and healthy lifestyle destination.