21 October 2024, Johor Bahru – As part of the UTM Erasmus Days event, an insightful sharing session was held, featuring three distinguished representatives from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). These individuals have been key coordinators of the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) grant projects. Organized by UTM International, the session provided an in-depth understanding of the challenges and rewards of managing international academic collaborations under the prestigious Erasmus+ program.
The session highlighted the experiences of three notable UTM researchers: Prof. Dr. Rosmini Omar (Asean Network for Green Entrepreneurship and Leadership – ANGEL), Associate Prof. Dr. Zaleha Abdullah (Accelerating Digital Transformation for Higher Education Institutions in South East Asia – DX.sea), and Associate Prof. Dr. Mahani Mokhtar (Digital Transformation of Asian Higher Education – DIGITAsia). Each researcher shared their journey and insights as coordinators and members of Erasmus+ projects aimed at enhancing higher education capacities.
One of the key points raised during the session was the critical role of collaboration and trust between project partners. Prof. Dr. Rosmini Omar, who has been involved in six Erasmus+ CBHE projects, most recently the ANGEL initiative, emphasized that successful partnerships require mutual reliance and confidence in each partner’s judgment, especially when selecting collaborators from various regions. She noted that trust was essential in ensuring the smooth coordination of UTM’s collaborations with European Union and regional partners.
Associate Prof. Dr. Zaleha Abdullah, who leads UTM’s ongoing DX.sea project under the Erasmus+ program, highlighted the significance of mentorship in guiding complex projects. She acknowledged the crucial role of Prof. Dr. Nordin Yahaya, former UTM Pro-Vice Chancellor for International Affairs, in initiating and leading the collaboration. Dr. Zaleha explained how Prof. Nordin’s “scaffolding mentoring technique,” where team members observe the early stages of the project take-off before taking full leadership, was an invaluable experience that helped overcome challenges in driving the project.
Managing projects that involve partners from diverse cultural backgrounds was identified as a major challenge by all three researchers. Dr. Zaleha shared her experiences working with teams from the EU, Laos, and Cambodia, highlighting how varying communication styles required tailored approaches. She stressed the need for cultural sensitivity and adaptability when coordinating across countries with different customs and expectations.
Another important topic discussed was the financial complexities associated with international collaborations. The researchers pointed out that currency conversion issues and budget constraints were ongoing concerns throughout their projects. They emphasized the need for flexibility and proactive financial planning to keep projects on track, despite these challenges.
The session concluded with insights into the power of networking. Associate Prof. Dr. Mahani Mokhtar shared how she was approached to join the Digital Transformation of Asian Higher Education (DIGITAsia) project through a recommendation from a colleague in Sri Lanka. This example underscored the importance of maintaining strong professional networks and fostering collaborations across academic disciplines and institutions.
The session reinforced the idea that trust, effective communication, mentorship, and financial acumen are critical elements in the success of international academic projects. The UTM representatives encouraged participants to remain open to new opportunities and to cultivate professional relationships that can lead to fruitful collaborations in the future.
As UTM continues to expand its global footprint through initiatives like the Erasmus+ CBHE grant, these sharing sessions offer valuable lessons for both experienced and emerging academics. Attendees gained practical knowledge and inspiration to engage in their own international projects, contributing to UTM’s ongoing success in global partnerships.