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SHAH ALAM – DUTA International Tennis Academy has announced a collaboration with IMG Academy, becoming the first tennis academy in Malaysia to establish a formal partnership with the globally recognised sports education institution.
The collaboration agreement, signed earlier this year, marks a significant step in DUTA's efforts to provide Malaysian student-athletes with greater access to world-class development opportunities.
Representatives from both organisations met in person for the first time on June 16 during a visit by IMG Academy representative Caramia Sitompul, officially commemorating the start of the partnership.
Under the collaboration, DUTA and IMG Academy will work together to raise awareness of student-athlete development pathways, highlighting the link between competitive sport, education, personal development and future career opportunities.
The initiative is aimed at helping Malaysian players and their families better understand how young athletes can prepare for success both on and off the court.
DUTA founder Selvam Veerasingam said the collaboration was particularly meaningful, reflecting the academy's long-term vision of developing well-rounded individuals through sport.
"When I was a young player, I had the opportunity to learn from some of the best coaches in the world. Those experiences shaped many of the values we practice at DUTA today.
"To now be working with IMG Academy is something very meaningful for us. We hope this collaboration will help Malaysian players, parents, and coaches better understand the opportunities available through sport. Our goal has always been to help young people grow not only as athletes, but also as individuals who are prepared for their future," he said.
Both organisations said the partnership is built on a shared belief that sport extends beyond athletic performance, serving as a platform to develop character, leadership, discipline and life skills while creating educational opportunities for young athletes.
DUTA said additional announcements regarding the collaboration are expected in the coming weeks.
Established in 1999, DUTA International Tennis Academy has spent more than 25 years promoting grassroots tennis development in Malaysia. IMG Academy, based in Bradenton, Florida, is widely recognised as a leading sports education institution that supports student-athletes through both on-campus and online programmes.
