Limkokwing alumnus, Amir Naseri, won two world Muay Thai titles in 2015 cementing him as a formidable fighter in this niche sport. "Winning the Omnoi Stadium title was a significant milestone for me," Amir recalls. “I was the second foreign fighter to ever win that title in Thailand, and after that, I went on to win the King's Cup of Thailand the same year.”
An Iranian by birth but mostly raised in Kuala Lumpur, Amir graduated with a BA (Hons) in Event Management, acquiring marketing, advertising and photography skills. Blending his passion for Muay Thai with his business skills, he set up a boutique gym called Panthera in Kuala Lumpur. “I saw a gap in the market and thought, why not have a facility in Malaysia where you can get everything under one roof?” he shares. Drawing inspiration from his training experiences at Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket, Amir integrated various aspects of athletic training into his gym.
Amir’s transition from being primarily a fighter to focusing more on training was a natural progression. He started coaching part-time at 17, discovering a passion for teaching and sharing the art of Muay Thai. “It’s nice to help people and share the art,” Amir explains. The demanding nature of competing limited his ability to coach consistently, but the idea of opening his gym allowed him to merge his passions for training and fighting.
Amir credits his education at Limkokwing University with equipping him with valuable skills instrumental in running his gym. “Everything I studied helped me a lot,” he acknowledges, expressing gratitude for the comprehensive education he received.
Even while pursuing his Event Management degree at Limkokwing University, Amir’s dedication to Muay Thai remained strong. “Every semester break or holidays we would get, I would try to compete,” he shares, highlighting the balancing act he maintained between academia and athletics.
Over the years, Amir has witnessed significant growth in the Muay Thai scene in Malaysia and the region. When he started, the sport had limited exposure, and opportunities for amateur competitions were scarce. Today, the landscape has transformed with numerous platforms for young fighters to gain experience and transition to professional levels. The emergence of organisations like ‘ONE Championship’ has played a pivotal role in elevating the sport’s profile. “The sport has grown so much, and there are so many more opportunities now,” Amir notes, highlighting the increased prize money and sponsorships available to athletes.
Despite the demands of his career, Amir has maintained connections with the Limkokwing community, cherishing the bonds formed with classmates and lecturers. These relationships have endured over the years, providing a support network that Amir values deeply. He continues to catch up with friends from university, reinforcing the special bond created during those formative years.
To current Limkokwing students aspiring to pursue careers in sports or entrepreneurship, Amir offers words of encouragement drawn from his experiences. “If you’re passionate about something, just keep chasing it,” he advises. He emphasises the importance of consistency and resilience, urging students to remain focused on their goals despite external opinions. “Stay consistent, keep working, and if you really like what you do, I’m sure you will succeed.”
Amir’s journey from a passionate Muay Thai enthusiast to a world champion and successful gym owner highlights his dedication, resilience, and the impact of a holistic education. This synergy between his education and his current career path underscores the value of a well-rounded education. Amir’s experience illustrates the unpredictable ways academic knowledge can be applied in real-world scenarios.
Amir Naseri’s success story exemplifies the holistic education and supportive environment provided by Limkokwing University. The diverse curriculum in Event Management equipped him with essential skills that have proven invaluable in his entrepreneurial endeavours. The university’s emphasis on practical, hands-on learning ensured that Amir was well-prepared to tackle the multifaceted challenges of owning and managing a business.
For more information and updates, visit Panthera’s page on Instagram.
