ANTWERP, June 6 – The 4th Annual Global South Workshop took place from June 2 to June 6, 2025, at Thomas More University of Applied Sciences in Belgium, bringing together education professionals, researchers, and students to rethink global engagement in higher education. One of the active participants was a delegation from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), which aims to expand its international presence and foster meaningful partnerships with institutions worldwide.
The week began with a warm welcome for participants, who enjoyed a guided tour of Antwerp’s historic landmarks, followed by a networking dinner that fostered connections before the formal sessions commenced. On June 3, the program began at Campus Sint-Andries with inspiring remarks from Aitzi Menchaca de Diego, Stijn Coenen, the President of Thomas More, and several international leaders. Their addresses set a positive tone for a week focused on inclusive collaboration.
Throughout the week, sessions addressed key themes, including internationalisation at home, student and staff mobility, research collaborations, and funding opportunities to support partnerships with institutions in the Global South. The agenda balanced strategic discussions with hands-on learning, enabling participants to exchange ideas and develop practical solutions. UTM’s involvement in the workshop closely aligns with the university’s Global Plan 2025, which emphasizes enriching curricula with international perspectives, enhancing research collaborations, and creating opportunities for student and staff mobility.
A standout moment was the “Spread Your Wings” session, where speakers from various countries shared innovative practices for incorporating global perspectives into teaching and learning. The UTM team actively participated, sharing their own experiences with multidisciplinary projects and virtual collaborations.
In addition to panel discussions and presentations, participants took part in practical workshops that focused on addressing real-world challenges, such as securing grants and designing collaborative research projects. Networking breaks and informal gatherings fostered further dialogue, while a guided tour of Thomas More’s research facilities showcased the university’s innovative work and resources available for future partnerships.
The final sessions focused on evaluation and future planning. Discussions about Erasmus+ mobility projects highlighted both successes and areas for improvement. Brainstorming sessions explored new initiatives aimed at strengthening ties between UTM, Europe, and the Global South. As Henry Larbi from Ghana noted, “I was particularly inspired by how these partnerships are not just symbolic but create real opportunities for us to think globally.”
With meaningful connections established and a clear vision for the future, the 2025 edition of the Global South Workshop marks another significant milestone in the journey toward more equitable and innovative higher education worldwide. The workshop reaffirmed its role as a proactive contributor to global academic discourse. The connections forged in Antwerp are expected to develop into lasting collaborations, further strengthening UTM’s position as a university that truly empowers voices from around the globe.