BANGKOK, July 22 – The Language Academy of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) conducted a Postgraduate Student Outbound Mobility Programme at Mahidol University in Bangkok. The aim of the programme was to strengthen academic collaboration and promote global engagement between the two institutions. Coordinated by Dr. Marsha Lavania Manivannan, the visit was hosted by Mahidol University, one of Thailand’s leading public universities, and co-organized by three of its academic entities: the Research Institute for Languages and Cultures of Asia (RILCA), the Faculty of Liberal Arts, and the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH).
The UTM delegation consisted of twelve members from the Language Academy, including seven academic staff and five PhD students. The programme provided a valuable platform for international networking, scholarly exchange, and the exploration of collaborative research opportunities.
The delegation, led by Professor Dr. Hadina Habil, Chair of the Language Academy, was warmly welcomed by Associate Professor Dr. Nuntiya Doungphummes, Director of RILCA; Associate Professor Dr. Aphiwit Liang-Itsara, Dean of the Faculty of Liberal Arts; and Professor Dr. Punchada Sirivunnabood, Dean of FSSH, along with their respective management teams and faculty members.
The session began with institutional presentations, during which representatives from both the Language Academy at UTM and Mahidol University shared their academic strengths, strategic initiatives, and future aspirations. This was followed by a research-sharing session that allowed academic staff and postgraduate students to present their areas of interest and expertise. These exchanges laid the groundwork for meaningful discussions on potential academic partnerships and joint research initiatives.
Several key initiatives emerged from the discussions, indicating a strong desire to enhance collaboration between the two institutions. These initiatives include the development of both inbound and outbound student exchange programs, which may offer semester-long placements and short-term opportunities supported by scholarships or matching funds. Mahidol University highlighted its specialized library in Language and Communication as a valuable research resource for visiting scholars and students.
Plans were also discussed for joint postgraduate supervision, the appointment of external examiners, co-hosted regional webinars, and collaborative applications for matching research grants. Additional areas of cooperation include staff exchange programs and collaborative teaching, particularly within UTM’s Master of Language in Communication and Digital Culture (MLCDC) program, aimed at supporting cross-institutional learning. Furthermore, both parties explored potential collaboration between their English language testing centers, showing particular interest in utilizing UTM’s MyLine platform for joint initiatives in language and communication assessment.
The mobility program not only enhanced the academic experience of participating postgraduate students but also strengthened institutional ties with a key regional partner. This initiative demonstrates UTM’s ongoing commitment to internationalization, research advancement, and the promotion of global academic collaboration. The discussions during the visit were particularly productive, resulting in concrete plans for future cooperation, including participation in a regional online webinar involving both institutions. Additionally, Mahidol University has expressed interest in sending student representatives to the Virtual Language and Communication International Postgraduate Seminar (VLCPIS 2025), an annual online seminar organized by postgraduate students at the Language Academy, scheduled for September 24.
The partnership between the Language Academy and Mahidol University is anticipated to strengthen through formal agreements and the phased implementation of proposed initiatives, representing a significant advancement in regional academic cooperation.
By Noor Aireen Ibrahim & Marsha Lavania Manivannan