Faculty of Management Strengthens Global Collaboration with LPU Punjab

Yogeeswari Subramaniam

📝 Summary

The Faculty of Management at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) conducted a Global Outreach Programme (GOP) 2026 at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab, India, from May 1-7, 2026. The programme aimed to enhance students’ global exposure and experiential learning, aligning with UTM’s ASCEND 2030 aspirations. The initiative strengthened UTM’s international engagement agenda and provided students with meaningful global learning experiences and cross-cultural academic exposure.

PUNJAB, May 7 – The Faculty of Management, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), successfully conducted the Global Outreach Programme (GOP) 2026 at Lovely Professional University (LPU), Punjab, India, from 1 to 7 May 2026 as part of its continuous efforts to strengthen international academic collaboration and global student engagement.

The programme, led by Dr. Yogeeswari Subramaniam (front row, third from left), together with Kavinh Kumaran (2nd row, 3rd from right), a student representative from the Faculty of Management, involved 18 students accompanied by Prof. Ts. Dr. Norhayati Zakuan and Dr. Hanini Ilyana Che Hashim (front row, 2nd and 1st from right). Also pictured are Vice President of LPU, Dr. Aman Mittal (front row, centre), and Deputy Director of International Relations, Division of International Affairs at LPU, Rahul Chhabra (front row, first from left)

Throughout the programme, students were exposed to various academic, industrial, and cultural learning experiences, including visiting lecturer sessions, research and publication workshops, innovation and entrepreneurship sharing sessions, industrial visits, cultural exchange activities, and discussions on sustainable and frugal innovation practices such as Jugaad.

UTM students and lecturers during a cultural visit to the iconic Golden Temple, Amritsar, India

UTM students participating in an educational and sustainability-related learning session

The initiative aimed to enhance students’ global exposure and support experiential learning aligned with the aspirations of UTM ASCEND 2030. Students also gained valuable opportunities to strengthen communication, leadership, teamwork, adaptability, and global networking skills through interactions with international academicians and students from diverse backgrounds.

The programme further reflected UTM’s commitment towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

In addition to academic engagements, the delegation held discussions with faculty members and management representatives from LPU regarding potential collaborations in teaching, supervision, research, publication, and student mobility programmes. The delegation also visited several industrial and business organisations in Punjab, providing students with practical exposure to manufacturing operations, business sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurship practices.

Prof. Ts. Dr. Norhayati Zakuan (third from left) presenting a token of appreciation to the Dean of Mittal School of Business, Dr. Rajesh Verma, PhD.

The Faculty of Management UTM expressed its sincere appreciation to the management of LPU, particularly the International Relations Team led by Rahul Chhabra, for the outstanding hospitality, excellent coordination, and continuous support throughout the programme.

Special appreciation was also extended to Pro-Chancellor of Lovely Professional University, Dr. Rashmi Mittal, and Vice President, Dr. Aman Mittal, for the warm support and encouragement extended to the UTM delegation during the programme.

UTM students and lecturers during an industrial visit to Anand & Anand (Laser Sports Equipment), gaining practical exposure to sports equipment manufacturing, innovation, and industry operations in Punjab, India

The programme was conducted in collaboration with Strategi Society and supported by various sponsors and contributors, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Effandi Yusoff from the Faculty of Management UTM, Dato Sri’ Kanesh from Mercury Logistics, Kumaran Thangariasoo from Aarrohi Globelink Ventures Sdn. Bhd., and Prakash Marippan from NX Enterprise.

The Faculty also acknowledged the support from the Dean of the Faculty of Management, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Jusoh; Deputy Dean (Academy and Student Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nor Zafir Md Salleh; Deputy Dean (Research, Innovation and Development), Assoc. Prof. Mahadi Bahari, as well as Dr. Teh Zaharah Yaacob, and Mohd Syazli Md Tahir towards the successful implementation of the programme.

Overall, GOP 2026 successfully strengthened UTM’s international engagement agenda while providing students with meaningful global learning experiences and cross-cultural academic exposure.