KUALA LUMPUR, Apr 8 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Kuala Lumpur proudly welcomed 26 students and 4 accompanying officers from the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) as part of the exploreASEAN Visit, a cultural mobility program aimed at promoting international understanding and academic synergy.
This initiative reflects UTM’s strong commitment to fostering global citizenship through cultural exposure, cross-border education, and meaningful academic engagement. Programs like these provide invaluable opportunities for students to develop global competencies and broaden their perspectives in an increasingly interconnected world.
The visit kicked off with an official group photo session, followed by a warm welcome from Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Nur Azaliah Abu Bakar, Associate Director of UTM International Kuala Lumpur. Delegates were then introduced to UTM’s vibrant academic ecosystem through insightful presentations from three key faculties. These presentation highlighted UTM’s commitment to global education and interdisciplinary excellence.
Dr. Basheer Al-Haimi of the Azman Hashim International Business School (AHIBS) presented “Global Business Education & Future-Ready Skills”, highlighting AHIBS’s focus on preparing students for dynamic international careers. Dr. Nor Ruwaida Jamian from the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT) shared insights on “Japanese-Based Education in Malaysia”, emphasizing MJIIT’s unique academic model shaped by Japanese excellence and industry collaboration.
Associate Professor Dr. Nor Zairah Ab Rahim of the Faculty of Artificial Intelligence (FAI) delivered “Where Human Curiosity Meets Machine Intelligence”, offering a glimpse into UTM’s pioneering work in AI research and education. An engaging Q&A session followed, where students and presenters exchanged ideas on global education trends, cultural integration, and interdisciplinary learning.
The delegation was later treated to a comprehensive campus tour, which included visits to innovation hubs such as the Bonding Space and Act Lab at AHIBS, FAI’s advanced research facilities, and MJIIT’s Halal and Algae Laboratories. Adding a cultural touch, the visitors enjoyed hands-on experiences with traditional Malaysian games like Congkak, Ting Ting, Batu Seremban, Ceper, Capteh, and Sepak Takraw.
As a token of appreciation and cultural celebration, each student received a traditional gift — batik sarong for female participants and kain pelikat for male participants. The experience was further enriched with a delightful morning tea featuring local delicacies and a festive Hari Raya Aidilfitri-themed luncheon.
While students explored the campus, a productive dialogue took place between Ts. Dr. Nur Azaliah Abu Bakar and FHNW’s delegation – Dr. Teresa Freiburghaus, Daniela Paltzer-Gasser, and Elsbeth Schenk-Schweyckart – at the UTM International office. The discussion opened doors to promising future collaborations, including.
The discussion highlighted several exciting opportunities for future partnership. Among them were student mobility placements for UTM students at FHNW, participation in Erasmus+ projects, and the invitation for the UTM International Director and UTM Vice-Chancellor to visit FHNW, particularly during the European Association for International Education (EAIE) 2025 in Gothenburg. The visit could also be part of a broader European academic engagement tour.
Additionally, both parties expressed interest in strengthening their institutional presence at international conferences such as EAIE and NAFSA: Association of International Educators (NAFSA). There was also enthusiasm for joint academic initiatives, including a potential Master’s programme in Artificial Intelligence in collaboration with the Faculty of Artificial Intelligence (FAI).
This enriching exchange not only deepened the academic partnership between UTM and FHNW, but also celebrated the universal spirit of cultural appreciation and shared learning.
The exploreASEAN visit concluded on a high note — filled with meaningful connections, cultural immersion, and lasting memories that will continue to inspire global collaboration.