JOHOR BAHRU, 8 Oct — Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) concluded its flagship event, UTM Global Connect 2025, with a meaningful closing ceremony that celebrated innovation, teaching excellence, and international partnership. The event, held at Persada Johor International Convention Centre, brought together delegates from around the world and marked the completion of four key programmes which were the University Presidents Forum (UPF) 2025, the Industrial Art and Technology Exhibition and Competition (INATEX) 2025, the New Academia Learning Innovation (NALI) 2025, and the D-8 Network of Pioneers for Research and Innovation (D-8 NPRI) Summit 2025.
In his closing address, UTM Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim praised the teamwork and strong collaboration that shaped the success of the programme.
“Over these memorable days, UTM Global Connect has done exactly what it set out to do, which is to connect minds, empower innovation and shape sustainable futures. The conversations, showcases and working sessions you led here have led to tangible outcomes such as joint research and innovation projects, technology transfer pathways and people-centred initiatives that carry global reach with local relevance,” he said.
The highlight of the evening was the INATEX 2025 Grand Awards, which celebrated outstanding research and creative inventions. The Best Invention Award went to Prof. Dr. Suhairul Hashim for his Wireless Transmission System for Radiation Portal Monitoring (MYRPM), recognised for its innovation in radiation safety. The same invention also earned him the Special Award for Commercialisation, proving its readiness for practical use and real-world benefits.
The Special Award for Industry was presented to Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Safuan A. Rashid for his Real-Time Monitoring System Driven by Rainfall Thresholds, a project that helps improve disaster risk management through accurate data and monitoring. These recognitions highlighted UTM’s strong role in producing research that benefits both industry and the community.
The celebration continued with the NALI 2025 Awards, honouring creativity and excellence in teaching and learning. The NALI Educator Award was presented to Prof. Ts. Dr. Dayang Norhayati Abang Jawawi for her contribution to innovative education practices. Meanwhile, the NALI Award went to iHDREX: Transforming Graduate Assessment Through Global and Industry Collaboration, developed by Dr. Ana Haziqah A. Rashid, Dr. Mas Idayu Saidi, Dr. Nur Syafiqah A. Rahim, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Halimah Mohd Yusof, Dr. Irza Hanie Abu Samah, and Dr. Nor Amira Syairah Zulkarnaini.
The Best of the Best Award was given to BrainBoom X, created by Arjun Raj Singh Dhillon, Samuel Manickam, Lim Wen Hui, Ahmad Iman Zulkifli, Shanice Chin Ying Xuan, and Mardiana Idris, for its creative approach and practical contribution to education.
Before closing the ceremony, Prof. Shafry announced that Malaysia, through UTM, will host the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) Conference and Exhibition in 2027. This marks a major achievement that will bring international education leaders to Malaysia once again.
The closing of UTM Global Connect 2025 marked more than the end of a successful event. It reflected UTM’s ongoing efforts to strengthen international collaboration and promote innovation that benefits education, industry, and society. With new partnerships and inspiring achievements, UTM continues to move forward as a global university shaping a sustainable future.