Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) reached a significant milestone in its internationalization efforts by co-organizing the “Internationalization in Higher Education: Navigating Global Challenges and Opportunities Conference” (IHECON 2024). The conference was held in a hybrid format at Ondokuz Mayis University (OMU) in Samsun, Türkiye, from October 25 to 27, 2024. This hybrid setup facilitated broader participation, attracting attendees from Türkiye and around the globe, thereby enhancing the outreach and impact of the two-day program.
UTM’s leadership played a crucial role in the conference’s success. Professor Datuk Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, Vice-Chancellor of UTM, and Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Ariffin Abu Hassan, Director of UTM International, were invited as keynote speakers. They shared UTM’s internationalization strategies and provided insights into the academic and research landscape of Malaysia’s higher education sector.
Additionally, UTM’s commitment to internationalization was underscored by presentations from two colleagues at UTM International. Ahmad Hilman Borhan, the International Relations manager, discussed “Fostering Global Reputation and Sustainable International Partnerships via ATU-Net.” Meanwhile, Dr. Ahmad Fadhil Yusof, the Manager for Student Mobility, presented on “Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Strategic Approach to Edutourism: Driving Malaysia’s Global Education and Tourism Agenda.”
A notable achievement for UTM at IHECON 2024 was the selection of UTM Press as the publisher for articles presented at the conference. This marks a new chapter in the university’s internationalization journey. The articles will be published as book chapters and are expected to be indexed by the Web of Science (WoS), further enhancing UTM’s academic profile on the global stage. This collaboration not only highlights UTM’s commitment to high-quality research dissemination but also strengthens its presence in the international academic community.
Through its active participation in and co-organization of international events, UTM reaffirms its commitment to becoming a world-class institution. This goal aligns with UTM’s broader vision of fostering global partnerships, promoting academic excellence, and contributing to sustainable development.
Prepared by:
Ahmad Hilman Borhan
Fasihah Mohd Jaslan
Norhaiza Daud