From IMU to the World Games: My Journey in Sports Chiropractic

My name is Sunshine Lau Siew Qin. I was part of the pioneer batch of the Foundation in Science programme at IMU in 2014,  and continued on to the Chiropractic programme in 2015. Later, I completed the International Certificate in Sports Chiropractic (ICSC). Although I was once unsure of my career direction, I am truly grateful to have discovered my calling in sports chiropractic.

I have always loved cycling, running, and martial arts—anything that gets the adrenaline pumping. That passion for movement naturally shaped my path. Today, I enjoy helping athletes achieve their goals, and I find their drive and dedication deeply inspiring.

My first exposure to sports chiropractic came at the SRAM Malaysia Senior National Squash Championships, where I learned to manage acute injuries on the spot. The experience developed my skills in rapid assessment, immediate care, and quick decision-making. More importantly, it taught me that effective care requires not just technical knowledge, but also calmness under pressure and clear communication with athletes.

Since the establishment of the Sports Chiropractic Council Malaysia (SCCM) under ACM in 2020, I have also become a member of the International Federation of Sports Chiropractic (FICS). This opened doors to a global network of sports chiropractors and gave me the privilege of volunteering at international sporting events. Obtaining the ICSC marked the start of my journey serving athletes across all levels—from weekend warriors to world-class professionals.

Over the years, I have been privileged to serve at multiple international sporting events, each of which contributed to my growth as a sports chiropractor. These included the JJIF (Ju-Jitsu International Federation) event in Bangkok, Thailand, the IKF World Korfball Championship in Taipei, the Asia Korfball Championship 2024 in Malaysia, and most recently, The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China. Each experience expanded my skills, deepened my confidence, and reinforced my commitment to supporting athletes at every level.

The World Games was a remarkable milestone in my career. As part of a 54-member FICS team of sports chiropractors, we delivered over 3,500 treatments in just 10 days for athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteers. Being selected for this role was an honour and an unforgettable opportunity to represent sports chiropractic on a global stage.

A highlight for me was supporting Malaysian archers Alang Ariff Aqil Ghazalli and Zulfadhli Ruslan 🇲🇾, helping to enhance their performance and recovery. Beyond archery, I also provided care for athletes in floorball, squash, racquetball, canoe polo, and duathlon. As a passionate duathlete myself, working with elite athletes in this sport was especially meaningful.

Caring for athletes before, during, and after their competitions was immensely rewarding. It was also an opportunity to introduce and educate many athletes, coaches, and officials about the benefits of chiropractic care. Seeing their surprised expressions after experiencing immediate relief and performance gains was a powerful reminder of why I am passionate about this profession.

This journey was filled with teamwork, connection, and the privilege of helping athletes perform at their best. I return home with new skills, fresh perspectives, and renewed passion, ready to give back to my community and profession.

Always be ready. Stay open-minded, humble, and a team player. These qualities will take you far.