KUALA LUMPUR, 24 APRIL 2024 – The Ambassadors’ Roundtable, hosted by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) through UTM International, is an extraordinary event that convenes ambassadors from various countries in Malaysia to discuss pivotal issues related to the globalization of higher education. This event, supported by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia (MOHE) and the embassies of the participating countries, aims to foster interactive dialogues around “The Odes of Innovating Solutions Transfiguring Globalization in Higher Education.”

UTM, home to nearly 5,000 international students, recognizes the importance of maintaining close and ongoing conversations with ambassadors to Malaysia, striving to strengthen, invigorate, and empower Malaysian higher education institutions toward global prominence. Aligned with its mission to expand its global reach, UTM International has launched the Ambassador GlobaLecture series. This initiative began as a platform for knowledge sharing, connecting ambassadors in Malaysia with the UTM community and the wider public.

Since 2020, UTM International has welcomed Excellency Ambassadors and dignitaries from Japan, Türkiye, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Romania, Australia, Belgium, India, and South Africa as honorary speakers for this auspicious program. In the context of internationalizing higher education, it is crucial to integrate insights, learnings, and diverse practices to support the inclusion of international staff and students within the university’s globalization agenda. The Ambassadors’ Roundtable, inspired by the success of the Ambassador GlobaLecture series, is designed to foster closer rapport between universities and diplomatic missions in Malaysia through the involvement of their esteemed ambassadors. This roundtable supports programs and activities involving international students in Malaysia and underscores the role of higher education institutions as vehicles for cultural diplomacy through collective ideas for multidisciplinary innovative solutions that affirm the globalization of universities.

Intercultural communication and understanding have been positively enhanced between universities and embassies as nations increase collaborations, including sponsorships for the mobility of students and scholars worldwide, furthering their national goals of social and economic development. In higher education, the role of embassies and ambassadors in cultural diplomacy has become increasingly apparent, organizing and promoting cultural events and exchanges at universities. As globalization accelerates, the concept of cultural diplomacy becomes essential for fostering impactful international engagements, supported by a wide array of activities. In Malaysia, this globalization leads to more competition and benchmarking, providing access to global educators through the embassies. Malaysian universities benefit from increased access to funding, resources, and support for academic endeavors and recognition. This supports the advancement of knowledge and the solution of global challenges, such as climate change, poverty, and health issues, while promoting joint research projects and the development of innovative teaching methods and curricula.

The Ambassadors’ Roundtable, held at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, was graced by Yang Berhormat Datuk Ts. Mustapha Sakmud, Deputy Minister of Higher Education Malaysia. The program also featured the launch of the Erasmus+ Malaysia Hub and a keynote address by His Excellency Mr. Michalis Rokas, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia.

Prepared by

Norhayati Abdullah, PhD