Expanding Horizons: UKM Erasmus+ Info Session

Mohd Ariffin Abu Hassan

BANGI, Jan 3 – Assoc. Prof. Dr Mohd Ariffin Abu Hassan, the first Erasmus+ National Focal Point (ENFP) for Malaysia and Director of UTM International, was invited by UKM Global to speak at an informative session on the Erasmus+ program’s opportunities. The event, which attracted 64 participants, including staff and students, provided valuable updates on the latest information from the 2025 Erasmus+ Program Guide, which features new program calls and avenues for Malaysian institutions to engage in international collaborations.

The session began with opening remarks from Prof. Dr Jamia Azdina Jamal, Director of the IDEA-UKM Centre, who represented the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), Prof. Dato’ Dr Wan Kamal Mujani. This was followed by a speech from Eero Oinonen, Political Officer at the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Malaysia, who shared insightful information on Erasmus+ funding and the enhancement of Malaysia-Europe educational relations.

The session continued with an engaging presentation by Assoc. Prof. Dr Mohd Ariffin Abu Hassan, the Erasmus+ National Contact Point (ENFP) for Malaysia. He shared his extensive knowledge of the Erasmus+ program and emphasized the important role of the ENFP in providing support and guidance to help participants effectively plan and navigate their Erasmus+ journeys. Dr Ariffin also highlighted the significance of building networks and establishing partnerships with countries in the European Union.

He provided an overview of the opportunities available to Malaysia as a third country, including Mobility for Higher Education Staff and Students, Erasmus Mundus, and Jean Monnet Actions. Additionally, he offered valuable tips on how to create a compelling Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) proposal. Dr Ariffin also reminded attendees about the upcoming Erasmus+ call for 2025, urging them to stay informed and prepared to seize new opportunities.

The Erasmus+ Info Session at UKM successfully motivated attendees to explore the potential of the Erasmus+ program. The strong collaboration between Malaysia and Europe has opened up numerous avenues for Malaysian Institutions to secure grants from the EU. Many institutions, including Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), have embarked on their journey with EU programs. This session was a significant step in further strengthening the collaboration between UKM and the Erasmus+ initiative.