JAKARTA, Apr 4 — Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) continues to strengthen its position as a globally connected university through an intimate and purposeful UTM Alumni Strategic Academic Leaders Dialogue held in Jakarta, reflecting how its alumni network is shaping academic collaboration, knowledge exchange, and societal impact across borders in line with the university’s ASCEND 2030 aspirations.

Academic Community

Bringing together distinguished academic leaders, researchers and professionals across Indonesia, the dialogue reflected a clear shift in positionining; alumni are not simply a legacy of the institution, but an active and evolving global community that extends UTM’s presence far beyond its campuses. As emphasised by the Vice-Chancellor of UTM, Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim,

“UTM today is supported by more than 256,000 alumni across 101 countries. Of these, 2,004 are from Indonesia. What we see is not just a large community, but an influential one—comprising academic leaders, researchers and professionals who contribute meaningfully to the advancement of knowledge and society.”

This growing network reflects the university’s expanding global footprint. Notably, more than 90 UTM alumni are now serving as professors across institutions in Indonesia, contributing to research, talent development and academic leadership in diverse contexts. These individuals represent the continuity of UTM’s values and intellectual contribution on the global stage.

Prof. Shafry further underscored that, “This is the true strength of UTM, it is not merely the institution, but its people” reinforcing the idea that the university’s impact is carried forward by its community. This is anchored in a shared belief that “knowledge becomes truly meaningful when it creates value for society,” a principle that continues to guide UTM’s engagements both locally and internationally.

From Engagement to Action: Indonesia as a Strategic Node

The dialogue also highlighted how UTM’s presence in Indonesia continues to evolve through meaningful, alumni-driven initiatives. Among them is the upcoming Zero Waste Initiatives Summit 2026 (ZWI 2026) , to be organised for the first time by UTM Indonesia Alumni and scheduled for August 2026. The initiative reflects a growing emphasis on sustainability and positions alumni as contributors to regional and global conversations on environmental responsibility.

In parallel, a significant milestone was announced with the establishment of UTM Alumni’s first dedicated office in Jakarta, to be hosted at the Universitas Indonesia through Prof. Dr. Ahmad Indra, a distinguished UTM alumnus and the first Indonesian PhD graduate from UTM in 1997, now a Professor of Mechanical Engineering. The office, which will also be officially launched in August 2026, represents a deeper form of global engagement—where alumni serve as institutional connectors within leading universities, enabling collaboration, knowledge exchange and long-term partnerships.

Collectively, these efforts translate into what was described as “Nusantara Advancements”—a shared Malaysia–Indonesia effort in advancing knowledge, sustainability and regional development. As highlighted by Prof. Shafry, “In Indonesia, this commitment is reflected through strategic collaborations with key institutions, including BRIN, as well as the establishment of eight alumni sub-chapters and satellite presences at Universitas Malang and Universitas Sriwijaya demonstrating a relationship that is not temporary, but enduring.”

A University Without Borders

UTM’s continued engagement with its alumni community underscores a broader vision of the university as a platform for global connection and collaboration. Its strength lies not only in academic programmes or institutional achievements, but in its ability to cultivate a network of individuals who carry its values, expertise and purpose into diverse sectors and geographies.

This global outlook was further reflected in UTM’s promotion of APAIE 2027 in Kuala Lumpur, delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Ariffin Abu Hassan, Director of UTM International and current President of APAIE. With UTM set to serve as the lead host for APAIE 2027, the initiative positions Malaysia as a strategic convening hub for international higher education engagement, with alumni expected to play an active role in strengthening participation and global visibility.

A Shared Future, Rooted in Purpose

Beyond strategy and structure, the dialogue reaffirmed the deeper connection between Malaysia and Indonesia as “serumpun” nations. In Prof. Shafry’s words, “Malaysia and Indonesia are not merely neighbouring countries—we are bound by shared roots,” a reflection of cultural affinity and common values that continue to shape meaningful collaboration.

In reaffirming UTM’s openness, Prof. Shafry emphasised, “UTM’s doors will always remain open to our alumni—to collaborate, to contribute expertise, and to build the future together with the university.” He concluded with a reminder that “the true strength of a university lies not only in its achievements, but in the network of people who bring it to life.”

As UTM advances towards its ASCEND 2030 ambitions, the Jakarta dialogue stands as a reflection of a university that is not confined by geography, but defined by the strength of its global community, one that is connected by purpose, driven by knowledge, and committed to impact.