BOGOR, Nov 1 – The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (FKM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), strengthened its international connections through the Strategic Academic, Research, Community and Global Alumni Networking Programme 2026, held from 28 October to 1 November 2026 in Indonesia.

The five-day programme brought together universities, researchers, industry professionals, alumni and local communities to develop opportunities for collaboration through knowledge transfer, academic partnerships, research and global networking.

The programme began on 29 October with the Global Community Water Sustainability (Mudball) Programme, organised in collaboration with Universitas Pakuan, Bogor. Building on knowledge transfer activities conducted in Kota Tinggi, Johor, in August 2026, the initiative extended community-based environmental education beyond Malaysia. Academics and students from Universitas Pakuan shared practical knowledge and skills previously acquired at UTM with local communities, supported by FKM’s technical expertise. The initiative demonstrated how university partners can become knowledge providers and extend educational benefits to wider communities.

On 30 October, FKM UTM held a strategic engagement with Politeknik Negeri Jakarta (PNJ), Depok, to explore academic and research collaboration. The delegation was led by Acting Dean of FKM UTM, Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Muhamad Azizi Mat Yajid. Discussions covered a proposed dual-degree programme, curriculum alignment, student and staff mobility, joint research and potential industrial partnerships.

The engagement laid the groundwork for closer institutional cooperation and expanded learning opportunities for future engineering graduates.

Later that day, FKM UTM organised the FKM UTM Alumni Hi-Tea & Networking 2026: Jakarta & Greater Jakarta at Universitas Indonesia, with support from UTMAlumni. The gathering brought together alumni, academics and industry professionals from organisations including Universitas Indonesia, Universitas Trisakti, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta (UPNVJ), Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa and PT Bank Syariah Indonesia Tbk.

A key highlight was the appointment of Dr. Komarudin Sayuti Thoyib from Universitas Indonesia as the FKM UTM Alumni Representative in Jakarta. The appointment is expected to strengthen alumni coordination and create opportunities for academic and industry collaboration. An interactive sharing session also allowed graduates to discuss their career journeys and how UTM contributed to their professional growth.

The programme continued on 31 October at the 2nd International Conference on Technology and Science 2026 (ICONTENS 2026), held at the IPB International Convention Center, Bogor, under the theme “Sustainable Natural Sciences in the Era of Artificial Intelligence.”

Acting Dean of FKM UTM, Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Muhamad Azizi Mat Yajid, was invited as a keynote speaker, providing an opportunity to share academic expertise and strengthen research networks. FKM’s Ts. ChM. Dr. Nor Suriani Sani also received the Best Oral Presenter Award for her research presentation, highlighting the faculty’s research capabilities and international academic visibility.

The programme brought together community engagement, academic collaboration, alumni networking and research recognition, supporting UTM ASCEND 2030 and elements of the Malaysia Research Assessment (MyRA) framework through international collaboration, knowledge transfer and research excellence. More than an international visit, the initiative reflects FKM UTM’s commitment to building lasting partnerships, meaningful research and positive impact for society.