BRUSSELS, Jan 26 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) International is proud to highlight Malaysia’s growing engagement in global higher education. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Ariffin Abu Hassan, Erasmus+ National Focal Point (ENFP) for Malaysia and Director of UTM International, recently represented Malaysia at the National Erasmus+ Offices (NEO)-International Contact Points (ICP)-ENFP Meeting 2026, which brought together key stakeholder from across the Erasmus+ partner countries.

On day 1, participants engaged in-depth discussions around international mobility, focusing on student and staff mobility mechanisms, the broader institutional impact of mobility, and mobility frameworks beyond Erasmus+. The discussions underscored mobility as a critical driver in strengthening international academic collaboration. During the session, Dr. Ariffin was interviewed and shared his insights on the topic ‘How individual mobility strengthen relations between host and sending organisations.

“Individual mobility plays a key role in strengthening the relationship between host and sending institutions. At UTM, this has translated into long-term collaboration such as dual or double degree programmes. Mobility also drives deeper faculty collaboration, not only through teaching exchanges but also via research publication, joint supervision and co-publication,” he shared.

Day 2 showcased Malaysia’s initiatives and achievement in 2025, particularly in the ENFP Exchange Visit initiatives, which foster strategic partnership and outreach programmes across regions including Portugal, Central Europe, and Türkiye. The session demonstrated how national-level engagement in Erasmus+ generates tangible benefits for universities, students, and the wider academic community.

A major outcome of these engagements was the announcement that Malaysia has been officially selected to host Regional Erasmus+ Week for Asia, the Middle East and the Pacific 2026, scheduled to take place from 23 to 27 November 2026 in Kuala Lumpur. The event is expected to convene approximately 200 high-level delegates, including representatives from the European Commission, ENFP, and universities across the region. Hosting this landmark event reinforces Malaysia’s leadership in Erasmus+ and positions the country as a regional education hub in line with the with the Malaysian Higher Education Plan (RPTM) 2026-2035.

This achievement aligns with UTM ASCEND 2030, the university’s recently launched five-year strategic roadmap aimed at elevating UTM’s global standing, nurturing 300,000 global learner and global talent, and strengthening Malaysia’s position as a regional education hub. Through strategic engagement, international collaboration, and mobility programs, UTM continues to expand meaningful global opportunities for Malaysian universities and students.

The milestone further reflects the commitment of UTM International under its tagline to “Bring the world to UTM, bring UTM to the world” underscoring UTM’s role in advancing impactful education, sustainable global academic and cross-cultural engagement.

Prepared by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Ariffin Abu Hassan and Nur Masitoh Islamiah Mustaffa Kamal