KUALA LUMPUR – Students intent on pursuing a professional certification in football business management or sports business management for the February intake can now enrol at the University of Malaya Centre for Continuing Education (UMCCed), says seasoned football expert E. R. Subramaniam.
Speaking with The Vibes, Subramaniam said the industry-specific knowledge that students gain throughout the course will help them build a career in any football or sports organisation, especially ones that can help the industry engage more corporate sponsorships.
He was referring to how local sports teams, especially football – who have been sourcing for funds in a bid to be more stable – need to diversify their sources of financial support.
Subramaniam, who is the also the programme director, said that the sports fraternity should stop relying on government handouts and try to be more resourceful.
“If you look at our state football associations − usually the chief ministers are elected as their presidents. I understand the reason for this is to ease the process of obtaining funds, facilities and other benefits.
“Yet on hindsight, some politicians, who are involved in football, would kill the sport’s reputation,” Subramaniam said, referring to the Harimau Malaya’s performance during the recent 2020 AFF Suzuki Cup.
“Looking at the current state of affairs, the standard of Malaysian football has reduced tremendously. Take the AFF Suzuki Cup, for example – we couldn’t even qualify for the semi-finals.”
The former Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) director of international affairs and the national teams department added that the programmes offered cover six modules – modern football and sports management, media and communication, event and facility management, football and sports development, marketing and business economics and coaching with project management.
These courses offer potential career opportunities in sports management, event management, sports and leisure marketing, teaching, sponsorships, recreation, tourism as well as health and fitness.
“Our courses guarantee certificate holders a job in the sports industry or you can be a sports entrepreneur − form your own football or sports club and run it professionally,” Subramaniam said.
“If professionals, such as doctors and lawyers, require tertiary education then why is it not the same for a multi-billion-dollar business like football?”
The courses will also feature subject matter experts, such as former FAM secretary-general Datuk Dell Akbar Khan, who will be talking about safety and security within the football industry.
Among the big names, who have come on board as notable speakers on various subjects relating to football or the sports industry, are Asian Football Confederation secretary-general Datuk Windsor Paul and Malaysian Football League chief executive officer Stuart Ramalingam.
Since the launch of these courses in 2016, more than 60 students have graduated and begun professional careers in various divisions within the football and sports industry.
The courses – football business management and sports business management – will run for six months beginning February 15 with online classes and weekend sessions.
Applicants must possess minimum SPM qualifications to be eligible for the course.
Individuals who are interested in applying for the programme may visit the UMCCed site or contact programme director E. R. Subramaniam at +6011 1628 4330 or email [email protected]. – The Vibes, January 12, 2022
