JOHOR BAHRU, June 10 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), through the Faculty of Educational Sciences and Technology (FEST), successfully organised an international academic talk featuring distinguished scholars from Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University (SGT University), India. The programme was held at Seminar Room S15-206, UTM, and attracted lecturers, postgraduate students, researchers, and education practitioners interested in leadership development and psychological well-being.

The programme was conducted as part of the ongoing collaborative activities under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UTM and SGT University, India, reflecting both institutions’ commitment to strengthening international academic partnerships through knowledge exchange, research collaboration, and staff and student engagement initiatives.

The session began with a welcome address by the moderator, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aqeel Khan, followed by welcoming remarks from the External and Global Engagement Manager of FEST, UTM, Dr. Mohd Rustam Mohd Rameli.

In his speech, Dr. Mohd Rustam highlighted the importance of international collaboration in enriching academic experiences and fostering global perspectives among students and academics.

The first lecture, entitled “Emotional Intelligence in Leadership,” was delivered by Prof. Dr. Amra Ahsan, Professor of Psychology from the School of Behavioural Sciences, SGT University.

Drawing upon her extensive experience in teaching, research, and academic administration, Prof. Amra emphasised the growing significance of emotional intelligence as a key leadership competency in today’s complex and dynamic environments.

During her presentation, she discussed how leaders who demonstrate self-awareness, empathy, emotional regulation, and effective interpersonal skills are better equipped to manage teams, resolve conflicts, and inspire organisational success.

Participants were also introduced to practical strategies for developing emotional intelligence in educational and professional settings. The session generated active discussions, particularly on the role of emotional intelligence in fostering positive workplace cultures and enhancing educational leadership.

The second lecture, “Recent Advances in Psychological Management of Insomnia,” was presented by the Head of the Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural Sciences, SGT University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vikas Sharma.

As a clinical psychologist with extensive expertise in behavioural medicine and sleep disorders, Dr. Sharma provided valuable insights into contemporary approaches to understanding and managing insomnia. His presentation explored recent developments in evidence-based psychological interventions, particularly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for insomnia, and highlighted the impact of sleep quality on mental health, cognitive functioning, and overall well-being.

Participants gained a deeper understanding of how psychological approaches can complement medical treatments in addressing sleep-related disorders and promoting healthier lifestyles.

Both lectures received positive feedback from participants, who appreciated the opportunity to engage directly with international experts and explore current developments in psychology, leadership, and mental health.

The interactive question-and-answer session that followed further enriched the discussion, enabling participants to exchange ideas, seek professional insights, and explore potential research collaborations.

The programme represents another significant milestone in the growing partnership between UTM and SGT University. Beyond facilitating academic discourse, the initiative supports UTM’s internationalisation agenda by creating opportunities for cross-border knowledge sharing, networking, and collaborative learning.

Such engagements also contribute to the development of globally minded graduates and academics capable of addressing contemporary challenges through multidisciplinary and international perspectives.

As UTM continues to expand its strategic global partnerships, programmes such as this demonstrate the value of sustained collaboration in advancing academic excellence, research innovation, and professional development.

The successful implementation of this knowledge-sharing session is expected to pave the way for future joint activities between UTM and SGT University, further strengthening institutional ties and contributing to the advancement of higher education at both institutions.