TAINAN, Mar 13 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is enhancing its global presence and leadership in higher education governance by participating in the 2025 General Assembly of the Southeast Asia and Taiwan Universities (SATU) Presidents’ Forum. This important event was hosted by National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) in Taiwan from March 12 to 13, 2025. UTM is represented by Professor Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim, the Vice-Chancellor, alongside other distinguished university leaders from across Asia.
The theme of this year’s forum is “Sustainable Governance for Universities,” highlighting the need for resilient and forward-thinking leadership structures that promote sustainable development in higher education. The discussions will focus on strategic policies, cross-institutional collaborations, and best practices in university governance, addressing the evolving global challenges faced by educational institutions.
One of the key highlights of UTM’s participation is its ongoing appointment to the SATU Steering Committee for the 2025-2026 term. This reaffirms UTM’s pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the forum. UTM, alongside Universiti Malaya (UM), will represent Malaysia on this distinguished committee, further strengthening the nation’s influence within the SATU Network. During the Steering Committee Meeting, members discussed future initiatives and governance frameworks. A significant outcome of this session was the election of the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) as the Chair of the SATU Steering Committee for this term. This selection reflects SATU’s commitment to fostering excellence through diverse regional leadership and enhancing collaborative opportunities among its member institutions.
UTM’s reappointment to the Steering Committee is a testament to its steadfast commitment to internationalization, academic excellence, and sustainable governance. As a key player in SATU, UTM will continue to drive impactful initiatives that reinforce Asia’s higher education landscape, fostering innovation, cross-border partnerships, and sustainable institutional development.
On March 13, 2025, we were scheduled for a campus tour. The delegation embarked on a visit to NCKU’s historic campus, gaining insights into its rich heritage. Established on January 15, 1931, during the Japanese colonial period, NCKU began as Tainan Technical College, focusing on engineering disciplines. After World War II, it underwent several transitions, becoming Taiwan Provincial Tainan Junior College of Technology in 1946, followed by Taiwan Provincial College of Engineering. In 1956, it was elevated to a provincial university named Cheng Kung University, in honor of Koxinga (Cheng Cheng-kung), the military leader who expelled the Dutch colonizers from Taiwan in the 17th century. Finally, in 1971, it attained national status, becoming National Cheng Kung University.
As we strolled through the campus, we observed numerous sculptures, each telling its own story and serving a unique purpose. These artworks, created by various artists, embody the university’s commitment to integrating art and academia, enriching the cultural atmosphere for students and visitors alike.
A highlight of the tour was the venerable banyan tree, planted in 1923 and now 122 years old. This majestic tree stands as a testament to the university’s enduring legacy and has been adopted as the logo of a Taiwanese insurance company, symbolizing protection and resilience. “Cheng Kung” means “success,” reflecting the university’s commitment to excellence and achievement. We left the campus inspired, carrying with us the profound stories and symbols that define NCKU’s illustrious history.
On the last day, we had the pleasure of meeting with the esteemed team from Academia Sinica, Taiwan, led by Stanley Lin, Section Chief of the Department of International Affairs, along with Ou Yang Liang-Meng, Project Manager, and Millie Lin. This meeting served as a reciprocal visit following Millie and Ou Yang’s participation in the Mobility Carnival at UTM Kuala Lumpur last November. Our engaging discussion focused on prestigious, fully funded internship opportunities at Academia Sinica, Taiwan.
Looking ahead, Academia Sinica is eager to visit UTM Johor Bahru this year, further fostering academic exchange and strengthening collaborative ties between our institutions.