NEW DELHI, Mar 28 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) recently concluded its participation in the 18th Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) Conference and Exhibition 2025. The event took place from March 24 to 28 at the Yashobhoomi India International Convention & Expo Centre (IICC) in Dwarka, New Delhi. This was the first time the conference was hosted in India, bringing together over 2,500 delegates from more than 1,100 universities across 70 countries. This milestone event highlights the evolution of APAIE into one of the most influential platforms for global engagement in higher education.
UTM’s strategic involvement in APAIE 2025 was led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Ariffin Abu Hassan, Director of UTM International, along with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suresh Ramakrishnan and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nur Azaliah Abu Bakar. Together, they represented UTM’s commitment to advancing internationalization through innovation, regional collaboration, and institutional excellence.
During the five-day conference, UTM made significant contributions through key panels and academic discussions. Dr. Ariffin delivered a session titled “Rebooting Student Mobility and Enhancing Challenging Soft Skills in ASEAN” and chaired a strategic dialogue on “Strengthening International Partnerships and Elevating Institutional Prominence through Global Alliances.” These engagements positioned UTM as a thought leader in shaping the education ecosystem across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and promoting resilient strategies for student mobility.
To further amplify UTM’s voice, Associate Professor Dr. Suresh Ramakrishan presented the university’s Joint Satellite Laboratories initiative. This initiative demonstrates how UTM develops research capacities in collaboration with international partners by sharing academic infrastructures. Meanwhile, Associate Professor Dr. Nur Azaliah introduced UTM’s Faculty of Artificial Intelligence (FAI), the first of its kind in Malaysia, through her presentation titled “UTM: Malaysia’s Premier AI Faculty Leading Global Collaborative Innovation.” She highlighted the university’s leadership in interdisciplinary education and responsible artificial intelligence (AI) development.
These academic exchanges were further enhanced by impactful networking initiatives. UTM facilitated a tri-national video conferencing session with Brunel University London, connecting participants from Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and India for real-time strategic discussions. The session focused on postgraduate co-supervision, research collaboration, and digital innovation, showcasing how academic diplomacy can transcend geographical boundaries through technology.
On March 25, UTM, in collaboration with Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), visited the High Commission of Malaysia in New Delhi as part of the APAIE proceedings. The delegation, led by EMGS Chief Executive Officer Novie Tajuddin, met with Deputy High Commissioner Sharifah Ezneeda Wafa to discuss strategies for enhancing Malaysia’s position as a preferred regional education hub.
Later that evening, UTM participated in an Iftar and Networking Dinner hosted at the High Commission, where representatives from both Malaysian and Indian institutions gathered to foster cultural solidarity and academic fellowship.
Furthermore, the High Commissioner of Malaysia to India visited the Malaysia Pavilion during the APAIE exhibition. This visit underscored Malaysia’s growing presence in the global education landscape and reaffirmed UTM’s pivotal role as a key player in international academic diplomacy.
The main theme of APAIE 2025, “Global Citizenship in Education,” aligns closely with UTM’s institutional values. The conference featured notable speakers, including Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, who discussed the moral responsibilities of universities. Additionally, discussions took place on Indo-German sustainability collaborations and the importance of compassion in educational curricula. Overall, the conference promoted a shared vision of education as a force for global good, which resonates with UTM’s mission.
Furthermore, the conference underscored Malaysia’s growing prominence in international higher education. UTM also celebrated a significant achievement with the appointment of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Ariffin Abu Hassan to the APAIE Executive Committee. This prestigious recognition highlights his contributions to global educational diplomacy, positioning UTM to influence regional and global education policy more effectively in the future.
As APAIE 2025 came to a close, delegates celebrated the announcement of Hong Kong as the host city for APAIE 2026. UTM returned from New Delhi energized by the connections made, the knowledge shared, and the leadership recognized. With a renewed sense of purpose, UTM is committed to continuing its journey as a leading Malaysian institution that fosters inclusive, innovative, and globally engaged higher education.