Where Psychology Meets Performance: Taylor’s Clinical Psychologist Mr. Allistair Adam Appointed as a classification Officer Majlis Sukan Negara

Mr. Allistair Adam Anak Nelson, Lecturer in the Master of Clinical Psychology programme at Taylor’s University, has been appointed as a classification officer for the Siri 1 Para Ping Pong Kebangsaan Allianz Majlis Sukan Negara Malaysia (MSN) ITAM. Organised by the National Sports Council of Malaysia, the event brings together para athletes from across the country and is held at the Para Sports Excellence Centre in Kampung Pandan, Kuala Lumpur.

In this role, Mr. Allistair is responsible for conducting IQ assessments as part of the athlete classification process. These assessments play a critical role in ensuring that athletes are placed into the appropriate competition categories based on their cognitive and functional abilities, an essential step in promoting fairness and integrity within para sports.

His appointment underscores the valuable application of clinical psychology beyond traditional therapeutic settings. Skills such as psychological testing, structured observation, and evidence-based decision-making are being utilised to support equitable participation and athlete wellbeing in competitive sport. Accurate classification not only safeguards the fairness of competition but also contributes to athletes’ personal growth and sporting development. When athletes are appropriately classified, it fosters confidence, sustains motivation, and encourages ongoing engagement with sport.

Mr. Allistair’s involvement is a strong example of how psychologists can contribute meaningfully to the wider community. His work highlights the intersection between mental health, psychological assessment, and sports performance, reinforcing the importance of inclusivity and ethical standards in national sporting events. This collaboration stands as a testament to the real-world relevance of psychological expertise in advancing societal goals.