Bridging the Gap Between Science and Performance 

Biography

Education

Nur Ikhwan holds a Doctor of Philosophy from ECU, Australia (2010), a Master's of Sports Science from UiTM, Malaysia (2005), a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Science (Hons) from UiTM, Malaysia (2003), and a Diploma in Health & Fitness from UiTM, Malaysia (2001). He completed his secondary education at Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) as a student-athlete in athletics, specializing in the 400m and 800m events, which he continued to train for and compete in during his varsity years.

According to him, these establishments offered far more than academic instruction; they sculpted his character, refined his intellect, and fueled a lifelong passion for learning that defines him today. He attributes his resilience, confidence, and sense of purpose to the lessons imbibed during his time within their walls—lessons that transcended textbooks and lectures to become integral to who he is. 

Research Area

His research area specifically encompasses the mechanical and metabolic responses to strength training and physical conditioning, knowledge delivery and application in strength and conditioning coaching (with a focus on physical literacy), and fitness facilities management.

Administrative & Academic Roles

Nur Ikhwan has held several administrative roles at UPSI, including serving as a Senate Member from January 10, 2022, to January 9, 2028, and as Chairman of the Human Research Ethics Committee from November 1, 2021, to October 31, 2027. He also served as Director of the International & Mobility Centre from April 2022 to April 2023, Dean of the Faculty of Sports Science & Coaching from July 2016 to July 2018, Deputy Dean for Research & Postgraduate in the same faculty from April 2013 to July 2016, and Head of the Coaching Science Department from June 2011 to March 2013.

His academic career at UPSI began in November 2006 as a Tutor (DS41), followed by promotion to Senior Lecturer (DS51)  in February 2011, Associate Professor (DS 54) in April 2015, and Professor (VK7/JUSA C) in October 2021.

Research and Publications

Nur Ikhwan Mohamad has led 9 research projects as the principal investigator and contributed to 21 research projects as a co-investigator or member. He has authored more then 100 peer-reviewed publications and secured a cumulative total of RM612,276.00 in research grants.

Supervisions & Teaching

Nur Ikhwan Mohamad has successfully supervised 8 PhD and 35 master’s students to completion as the main supervisor, and co-supervised 2 PhD and 2 master’s students to graduation. Currently, he is the main supervisor for 6 ongoing PhD and 3 master’s students, and serves as co-supervisor for 4 ongoing PhD and 3 master’s students. His teaching experience includes developing and delivering courses such as QAC 3113 Advanced Practical Strength & Conditioning and QAC 3103 Basic Strength & Conditioning, focusing on practical and foundational aspects of the field. He also teaches QSU 3013 Training Methodology & Physical Conditioning, emphasizing training techniques, and supervises QAC3996 Final Year Project/Thesis, guiding students through their capstone research projects. 

Consultation & Engagement

Nur Ikhwan has served as a Panel of Experts (Strength & Conditioning) for the Perak Sports Council from 2023 to 2025 and as an Advisory Panel member for the National Coaching Academy (AKK) at the National Sports Institute (ISN) from 2013 to 2021. He was the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Sports Science & Coaching (JSSPJ) from 2013 to 2018, founded the Research Ethics Committee at UPSI—serving as a member from 2018 to 2021 and Chairman from 2021 to 2027—and was a pioneer and past President of the Malaysian Strength & Conditioning Association (MSCA) starting in 2011. Additionally, he held positions as an Adjunct Professor at Sriwijaya University (Palembang, Indonesia) in 2023, a Visiting Professor at Semarang State University (UNNES, Semarang, Indonesia) in 2024, a Visiting Research Fellow at the Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ) in 2017, a Visiting Professor at Thaksin University, Thailand, from 2016 to 2018, and a member of the Malaysia Health Promotion Board from 2017 to 2018 and the Perak Sports Council Management Board from 2016 to 2017. He was also the Physical Conditioning Consultant for Fire & Rescue Malaysia from 2018 to 2019 and has conducted over 100 strength and conditioning workshops, seminars, and advisory projects for various organizations under the tagline "Fitness, Performance & Health," reflecting his focus on these key areas.

Initiatives 

Nur Ikhwan has made significant contributions to physical conditioning education especially within in Malaysia and at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) by integrating his expertise in strength and conditioning into academic programs and practical initiatives. His establishment of the Special Interest Group in Strength & Conditioning (SIG Conditioning) in 2010, which later became the foundation of the Malaysian Strength & Conditioning Association (MSCA) in 2011, has extended his influence beyond UPSI, fostering a national network for professional education in the field and benefiting many in the country to the present day. 

Scope of Practice

Since 2011 Nur Ikhwan has introduced scope of practice for strength and conditioning professionals in Malaysia. This scope of practice serves as professional boundaries for him and others within the fraternity.  The scope of practice for strength and conditioning professionals is to provide physical exercise and training prescription for the purpose of reducing the risk of injury and increasing performance, via systematic and evidence-based practice. It is within the responsibilities of the strength and conditioning professionals to determine training objectives, perform need analysis, develop training plan, develop training program, do performance monitoring, determine effectiveness and perform modification for further enhancement. This scope of practice has been embedded in the physical conditioning courses for Malaysian sports coaches by National Coaching Academy in 2013 and also published in the Tactical Conditioning for Fire & Rescue module for Malaysia Fire & Rescue Department (2019) (in Malay language).

Philosophy

Nur Ikhwan's training methodologies and teaching have been guided by philosophies that prioritize scientific-based reasoning as the foundation for all practical applications, ensuring efficacy through empirical evidence rather than untested assumptions, while continuous research and development keep practices current and innovative. Functional training and free weights are favored for their versatility, with general fitness established before sports-specific programs, and core strength and conditioning emphasized as essential for performance and injury prevention. Both undulating and linear periodization are strategically employed over traditional linear methods alone, tailored to competition formats, while the transfer of knowledge from coaches/educators to athletes/clients fosters understanding and autonomy during sessions. Above all, adherence to the fitness professional code of ethics ensures integrity and professionalism, creating a holistic approach that balances science, practicality, and morality while empowering students-athletes for long-term success.

Missions
Nur Ikhwan's career mission is to provide foundational education to future Strength and Conditioning professionals while supporting the lifelong education process for current ones.