UDA drives to develop bowling talent
Through its CSR initiative UDA Cares: 'Bangunkan Komuniti, Lahirkan Juara', the programme isn't just about scoring strikes, it's about giving students, especially those from the B40 group, a fair shot at a sport that's often seen as expensive and out of reach.
Its chairman, Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini, said the programme was initiated to provide access and opportunities for students to participate in bowling, a sport that typically involves high costs.
He said that through strategic collaboration between the public and private sectors, the programme ensures that no young talent is left behind due to financial constraints.
"The high cost of participation in bowling often deny school-aged talent, especially from the B40 group, the opportunity to actively engage in the sport.
"We believe that among this group lies great untapped talent that could be nurtured into champions if given the right opportunity, guidance, and support.
"Therefore, through this strategic public-private collaboration, we see this programme as a platform to elevate bowling as a holistic development avenue for youth to build character, discipline and a sporting spirit," he told a press conference here.
Present were Perak education director Safuan Raba'ai, UDA president and chief executive officer Johari Shukri Jamil and former national bowler Syaidatul Afifah Badrul Hamidi.
The programme began in February with its first meeting held with relevant agencies to ensure smooth implementation and high impact.
Participant selection took place on June 10 and 11, involving 120 pupils from four schools: Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Sri Kinta, Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (SJKT) Kampung Simee, SK Cator Avenue, and Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) Chung Tack Simee.
From that group, 30 promising pupils were selected and are undergoing a 16-week intensive training programme from June 16 to Oct 6.
He added that all selected participants are being trained by Syaidatul Afifah, assisted by two professional coaches.
He said the combination of the former national bowler's expertise with the coaches' skills is expected to unlock the participants' full potential and achieve the programme's objectives.
"We believe that the combined experience and expertise of this coaching team can bring out the best in the participants and help produce champions in the sport."
He said that the selection of Angsana Mall Ipoh as the official training venue is a strategic move to empower the local community using UDA-owned facilities, in line with the company's new branding, L.I.F.E. — Legacy, Integrated, Finesse and Enrich.
"Angsana Mall Ipoh is no longer just a shopping centre but has become an inclusive community hub, complete with facilities like the Lite Superbowl JB9 bowling centre, reviving the family leisure spirit of days past," he said.
This programme is a collaboration between UDA and the Perak Education Department, Perak Youth and Sports Department, Perak Sports Council and Yayasan Perak, with private sector support from Perak Transit Bhd and FND Empire Sdn Bhd.
The programme will culminate on Oct 12 with the final competition and an official ceremony held in conjunction with National Sports Day and Karnival UDA 2025 here.
Meanwhile, Syaidatul Afifah said it was an honour to be part of the CSR programme, and she didn't have second thoughts when UDA approached her.
"When UDA first approached me, they said they wanted to run a CSR programme with the asnaf and also included an element of multiracial unity. So, without much discussion and because this is something very close to my heart, I accepted it.
"I hope that with this programme, we don't stop halfway. Let's take it further. Even if it's not all 30 participants, perhaps we can identify those with
potential and develop them into representatives of the state," she said.
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