GOMBAK, Dec 12 – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Ariffin Abu Hassan, Erasmus+ National Focal Point (ENFP) Malaysia and Director of UTM International shared his expertise on the Erasmus+ Program during an Info Session hosted by the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). Held at the Auditorium of the Dar al-Hikmah Library, the event attracted more than 140 participants from Malaysian public and private higher education institutions, with over 100 attending physically and more than 40 joining online. The session aimed to promote opportunities for Malaysian institutions to establish international collaborations with European partners, access global funding, and enhance academic excellence.
The session commenced with an opening remark by Prof. Ir. Dr. Ahmad Faris Ismail, the Covering Rector of IIUM, and Prof Dr. Amir Akramin Shafie, the Deputy Rector of Responsible Research and Innovation who served as the Chairman for the Erasmus+ Info Session. The event continued with a keynote address by Eero Oinonen, the Political Officer of the European Union (EU) Delegation. He highlighted the roles and responsibilities of EU Delegation in navigating the Erasmus+ Programme and emphasized the benefits of international collaboration between European and Malaysian institutions through Erasmus+.
Assoc. Prof Dr. Mohd Ariffin Abu Hassan began his session on the pivotal role of ENFP Malaysia. He then delivered an insightful presentation on the international dimensions of the Erasmus+ Programme, covering topics such as International Credit Mobility (ICM), Capacity-building in Higher Education (CBHE), Erasmus Mundus and the Jean Monnet Initiatives. Additionally, he shared useful tips on crafting a strong project proposal for CBHE funding opportunities. At the conclusion of his presentation, he opened the floor for a Q&A session, offering an excellent opportunity for two-way discussion and addressing any issues or queries from the participants.
After the lunch break, the sessions continued with presentations from beneficiaries of the Erasmus + programme. The session began with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maizatun Mustafa, who shared her journey with the project ‘Curricula Development on Climate Change Policy and Law’. Next, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ainul Azmin Md. Zamin discussed her experienced with the project ‘Facing Global Challenges – Environmental and Peace Education in Interreligious Cooperation for Religious Teacher Training’. The sharing of personal experiences then continued with Nor Aminah Kostor who participated in staff mobility under the Erasmus Mundus programme. The session concluded with remarks from Dr. Collins Santhanasamy, the Management Board Member & Director of the Partnership Development Unit at the Erasmus Mundus Association (EMA).
The Erasmus+ Info Session was an engaging and informative event, featuring a diverse range of presentations from various experts. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Ariffin Abu Hassan provided an insightful overview of the international dimensions of the Erasmus+ Programme, alongside other valuable contributions, helped deepen participant’s understanding of the program’s components and its potential for the international collaboration. The session successfully facilitated knowledge exchange and sparked interest in further engagement with Erasmus+ opportunities, leaving participants with a clearer vision on how to leverage the program for academic growth and global partnership.
Prepared by,
Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Ariffin Abu Hassan
Nur Masitoh Islamiah Mustaffa Kamal