JOHOR BAHRU, Mar 10 – UTM International at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) successfully organized the Iftar Gathering 2025 with its strategic partners at Pulai Springs Resort in Johor Bahru. This event brought diplomatic representatives, industry leaders, and key partners together for an evening of shared reflection, collaboration, and cultural appreciation. Held in the Kayangan Suite, the gathering emphasized UTM’s ongoing commitment to strengthening international partnerships in higher education.
The event was graced by esteemed guests, including the Consul General of Indonesia, Sigit S. Widiyanto, and the Consul General of Singapore, Ng Kuan Khai, along with representatives from key government agencies and industry partners such as the Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM), the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Yayasan Warisan Johor (YWJ), and Johor Tourism. The gathering served as a strategic platform to celebrate UTM’s long-standing collaborations, highlighting the university’s dedication to supporting international students and enhancing Malaysia’s role as a hub for higher education and global talent mobility.
The evening began with a montage that highlighted life at UTM, offering an immersive visual experience of the university’s vibrant academic and cultural environment. This was followed by welcoming remarks from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Ariffin Abu Hassan, the Director of UTM International. He emphasized UTM’s commitment to promoting international collaboration through initiatives such as student mobility programs and cross-border academic engagements.
In his keynote address, Prof. Ts. Dr. Ali Selamat, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs and Alumni at UTM, outlined Malaysia’s Higher Education Plan for 2025–2035. He emphasized five key priorities: nurturing top talent, strengthening research and innovation, advancing knowledge transfer, promoting internationalization, and enhancing the enabling ecosystem. He also introduced recent policy reforms, including a centralized admission system for international students and qualification verification measures to ensure a seamless and credible enrollment process. These initiatives align with Malaysia’s vision of becoming a leading destination for higher education in the region.
The event’s significance went beyond being a formal gathering. During the Iftar dinner, guests engaged in meaningful discussions and participated in networking sessions. The warm and inclusive atmosphere reflected the spirit of Ramadan—unity, gratitude, and collaboration.
The evening concluded with an appreciation note from UTM International, acknowledging the unwavering support of all partners in advancing Malaysia’s global education landscape. As UTM continues to innovate in student engagement and academic mobility, the UTM International Iftar Gathering serves as a pivotal event for strengthening partnerships and shaping the future of higher education.