KUCHING : Discover MuayThai (DMT) has selected eight Sarawakian youths in an
intensive four-month programme aimed at developing martial arts, life skills, instilling
discipline, building resilience and enhancing self esteem.
As a homegrown social enterprise, DMT proudly expands its flagship DMT Academy
programme to Kuching following nine years of success in empowering underprivileged
youth through transformative initiatives in the Klang Valley and Sabah.
This marks the tenth cohort for the academy, which has partnered with Rentap Muaythai
Gym for the inaugural programme in Sarawak.
The eight Sarawakian youths will not only receive martial arts training but also part time
work opportunities which cumulatively pave the way for the youths to be independent
and build sustainable livelihoods.
This initiative is made possible through a collaboration with ILTIZAM, the corporate social
responsibility (CSR) arm of Ekuiti Nasional Berhad (Ekuinas).
At the officiating ceremony held at Rentap Muaythai Gym on Thursday (Oct 10), Imran
Harith, Co-Founder and CEO of Discover MuayThai expressed excitement about the
programme’s expansion.
“We’ve seen incredible transformations in the youths we’ve worked with in the Klang
Valley, Sabah last year. Now, we are excited to extend this opportunity to Sarawak.
“The programme’s holistic approach-combining rigorous training with character
development-enables participants to thrive both in and out of the ring. Our goal is to
equip them with the tools to lead dignified, independent lives,” he said.
The programme also exposes participants to various career pathways in roles ranging
from professional Muay Thai athletes to becoming potential Muaythai coaches.
In Sarawak, DMT’s partner Rentap Muaythai Gym-the training ground of homegrown
champion and One Championship fighter Johan “Jojo” Ghazali-shares the mission of
nurturing local talent and propelling them onto the Muay Thai competitive global stage.
With a commitment to excellence, Rentap Muaythai is a local powerhouse that
empowers athletes to compete at the highest levels of Muay Thai.
“The impact of DMT’s work is clear in the success of our alumni, many of whom have
gone on to become leading Muay Thai and Kickboxing athletes, representing Malaysia in
international events such as the SEA Games.
“Others have turned their passion into careers as coaches, with some even opening their
own Muay Thai gyms,” Imran added.
Also president at the press conference were Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and
Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, Malaysia Muaythai
Association president Datuk Shahnaz Azmi and Rentap Muay Thai Club co-owner
Jennana Johnson and One Championship fighter Johan Ghazali.
