Dr. Vellapandian Ponnusamy

Before taking on this new role, Dr. Vellapandian served as the CEO of the Institute for Youth Research Malaysia (IYRES) under the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) from 2019 to 2025. His prior contributions to ISN, where he worked from 2005 to 2019 in various capacities, further reinforce his expertise in high-performance sports. During his tenure, he held key roles such as Director of Sports Performance and Head of the Podium Program, which was instrumental in elevating Malaysia’s competitive standing in international sporting events.

With an academic foundation that includes a PhD in Sports Psychology from the University of Western Australia and postgraduate degrees in sports science from local institutions, Dr. Vellapandian’s scientific approach to athlete development is expected to enhance ISN’s strategic direction.

Contributions to the Olympic Movement:
Dr. Vellapandian’s involvement in the Olympic Movement has been notable, particularly when he was appointed as the Deputy Chef de Mission for the Malaysian contingent at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta-Palembang. His experience in managing high-performance athletes and preparing them for elite
competitions aligns well with ISN’s mission to advance Malaysia’s presence on the global sports stage.
His tenure at ISN previously saw significant advancements in sports technology, athlete conditioning programs, and research-driven performance enhancements. These contributions are expected to play a crucial role as he steps into the leadership position once again, driving innovation and excellence in Malaysian sports.