Redefining Sports, Health, and Physical Education: MSU-IIT houses 11th ACPES 2025 International Conference

Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) proudly opened its doors to host the 11th ASEAN Council of Physical Education and Sports (ACPES) International Conference on Wednesday, October 1, at the Institute Gymnasium.

With the theme, “Influencing the Future of Sports, Health, and Physical Education: Bridging Science, Technology, and Well-being,” the conference brought together 166 international delegates from ASEAN member states, Japan, and India, along with 111 local participants—marking one of the largest assemblies of international delegates in MSU-IIT’s history.

 

The opening salvo featured a vibrant performance from the IDS Ringkaran and a spirited welcome by MSU-IIT student-athletes, followed by an inspirational message from the University Chancellor, Prof. Alizedney M. Ditucalan, JD, LLD, who warmly welcomed international and local guests.

 

In his address, Chancellor Ditucalan highlighted the historic scale of the event as one of the largest international gatherings in MSU-IIT’s history and emphasized the transformative role of sports and physical education in today’s world—no longer confined to courts and fields but enriched by science, technology, and holistic well-being.

The program also included a high-energy performance from the MSU-IIT Orions, followed by a message from Dr. Zason Chian Lit Khoon, President of ACPES, who encouraged participants to actively engage with presenters and foster meaningful collaborations.

 

Meanwhile, Dr. Koh Koon Teck, ACPES Advisor from Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, delivered the keynote address, exploring the evolving role of technology in sports.


His presentation tackled the convergence of science, technology, and human performance, examining how big data, artificial intelligence, and innovative sports applications are transforming athletic training performance, and injury prevention in the post-pandemic era.

Dr. Koh underscored both the opportunities and challenges that come with rapid technological change, asking participants: “Are we ready for this?”

 

He closed his keynote with a reminder that while AI continues to shape the future of sports and education, it is ultimately people who drive innovation.


His final message captured this balance: “AI will not replace people, but people who use AI will replace those who do not…Human is the key.”


Following the presentation, an open forum was held where delegates engaged with Dr. Koh on the implications of AI in education.

 

A delegate asked “How would you motivate teachers who are very reluctant to use AI?”, to which Dr. Koh responded by emphasizing the importance of demonstrating AI’s practical value in the classroom.


He noted that instead of seeing AI as a threat, educators should be shown how it can be meaningfully integrated into lessons to enhance learning, improve efficiency, and make classes more engaging.


As the conference continues until October 3, delegates across ASEAN are expected to share research, best practices, and insights that will help shape a future where science, technology, and human values work hand in hand to promote health, well-being, and unity through sports.


Written by Raneshka Angela Gudes
Proofread by Andrea Ross Sedero
Photos by Schwarzdyle Zamoras
Photo Edit by Aiyeesha Abah