President's Desk

Pencak Silat has come a long way, evolving from its deep cultural roots into a competitive sport that continues to bring pride to Singapore on the international stage. Our journey has been shaped by the dedication of our athletes, coaches, officials, and the unwavering support of our community. However, as the sporting landscape evolves, we must ask ourselves: Where do we see Pencak Silat in the next decade? How do we ensure that it remains relevant, dynamic, and respected both locally and globally? 

     To answer these questions, we must embrace a paradigm shift in the way we develop, promote, and govern the sport.

     This shift begins with a collective effort to rebrand Pencak Silat, ensuring that it is seen not only as a martial art deeply rooted in tradition but also as a modern, inclusive, and forward-looking sport that appeals to new generations. Many combat sports have successfully rebranded themselves, leveraging digital platforms, innovative training methods, and global tournaments to capture mainstream audiences. Pencak Silat, must take bold steps to modernise its image while preserving its rich heritage, attracting new practitioners, fans, and stakeholders who see its value beyond its cultural significance.

     For this transformation to happen, we must unite as a fraternity. The Pencak Silat community, including clubs, academies, and stakeholders, must work together to push the sport forward. Strengthening our local ecosystem is crucial, ensuring that Singapore remains a hub for Pencak Silat excellence. We must look beyond individual success and focus on collective progress, building a strong, sustainable foundation for future generations of athletes and practitioners.

     At the heart of this effort are our athletes, the warriors who dedicate themselves to bringing glory to Singapore. We must create an environment where they can truly excel, free from distractions, and equipped with the best resources, coaching, and support systems. If we want to see Pencak Silat grow to the level of Olympic sports, we need to provide our athletes with a structured development pathway, exposure to international competition, and access to cutting-edge sports science. Their journey must be supported at every stage, ensuring that they have the tools to compete, win, and inspire the next generation.

     A paradigm shift also requires better governance, stronger leadership, and a commitment to compliance with all national and international sporting regulations. Many sports, have successfully built credibility through clear governance structures, ensuring fairness, transparency, and alignment with global best practices. Pencak Silat must do the same. By continuously strengthening our governance framework, we can attract greater investment, sponsorships, and opportunities, reinforcing Pencak Silat’s position as a professional and well-managed sport.

     This is our moment to define the future of Pencak Silat. We must think beyond tradition and push Pencak Silat into new frontiers. We must innovate, professionalise, and elevate the sport while staying true to its essence. The time for change is now, and it will take all of us—athletes, officials, clubs, and supporters—to shape this transformation. Together, let us embark on this journey and reimagine Pencak Silat for the modern world.

Salam Pencak Silat,

Mr Abdullah Shafiie bin Mohamed Sidik, JP, BBM (L)
President
Singapore Silat Federation