ISTANBUL, Apr 9 – Kicking off a promising chapter for Malaysia’s international education agenda, the panel session titled “Malaysia: A Rising Global Eminence and Premier Regional Education Hub for International Collaboration” was held during the Eurasia Higher Education Summit (EURIE) 2025 at the Amber Room, Istanbul Lütfi Kırdar International Convention and Exhibition Center (ICEC). The session brought together key figures from Malaysia’s higher education sector to share insights on global engagement. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Ariffin Abu Hassan, Erasmus+ National Focal Point (ENFP) Malaysia, moderated the session and was joined by two distinguished panelists: Novie Tajuddin, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS); and Prof. Dr. Ahmad Hata Rasit, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS).
During the session, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Ariffin introduced the “Connecting Horizons: Malaysia–Türkiye Erasmus+ Initiative” — an effort to strengthen academic ties between Malaysia, Türkiye, and the broader Eurasia region through the Erasmus+ programme. The initiative was also highlighted in the Ministerial Address by the Minister of Higher Education, Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir, under #TalkingPoint 28, reflecting Malaysia’s aspiration to expand international partnerships across the region.
“We must fully seize the opportunities offered by the European Union through Erasmus+, especially by boosting Malaysia’s participation in the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (EMJM) programme,” said Dr. Mohd Ariffin.
Novie Tajuddin, CEO of EMGS, elaborated on the agency’s efforts in positioning Malaysia as a premier regional education hub. He presented several strategies to attract international students and underscored the importance of building a holistic, student-friendly ecosystem. He also noted how Malaysia’s close diplomatic ties—especially with Türkiye—can further open doors for academic exchange and student mobility.
Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Hata Rasit, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of UNIMAS, highlighted the university’s role in transnational education and global research networks. He outlined UNIMAS’s collaborative efforts, particularly with partners in Türkiye and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and introduced innovative strategies for promoting student mobility and joint research in fields such as sustainability and technology.
Together, the panelists presented a unified front—showcasing how Malaysian government agencies and universities are working hand-in-hand to increase the country’s global visibility in higher education. The session served as a strong platform to amplify Malaysia’s presence on the global education map by enhancing student mobility, strengthening research ties, and advancing the nation as a leader in transnational education and innovation. Malaysia’s participation at EURIE 2025 reflects its unwavering commitment to establishing itself as a premier regional education hub—welcoming global students and scholars to collaborate, innovate, and thrive together.
Prepared by: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Ariffin Abu Hassan & Nur Masitoh Islamiah Mustaffa Kamal