ARAU, Dec 4 – The ERASMUS+ National Focal Point (ENFP) Malaysia, Assoc Prof. Dr. Mohd Ariffin Abu Hassan, Director of UTM International, was invited to Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), which hosted the ERASMUS+ Info Session at the Auditorium Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Library. The event drew an impressive attendance more than 100 participants and aimed to introduce and promote opportunities for Malaysian higher education institutions to establish international collaborations with European countries through the ERASMUS+ program.

The session began with an opening remark by Prof. Ir. Dr. Rizalafande Che Ismail, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation), UniMAP. The session continued with a talk by Eero Oinonen, Political Officer at the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Malaysia, who emphasized the importance of Malaysia-Europe educational partnerships and the ERASMUS+ program in fostering academic excellence and cultural exchange. This was followed by Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Noorhafiza Muhammad from UniMAP, who shared inspiring Erasmus+ Success Stories, showcasing the program’s significant impact on academic growth and collaboration.

A standout moment of the ERASMUS+ Info Session was Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Ariffin Abu Hassan’s presentation, which outlined the pivotal role of the ENFP in fostering Malaysia-Europe partnerships. Then, he delivered an insightful overview of the ERASMUS+ program, highlighting its key components: International Credit Mobility (ICM), Erasmus Mundus Design Measures (EMDM), Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (EMJM), and Jean Monnet Actions. These initiatives offer opportunities for academic exchange, advanced studies, and EU-focused teaching and research. He also emphasized the Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) initiative as a key driver for fostering institutional innovation and sustainable growth. Additionally, Dr. Ariffin provided practical tips on crafting strong project proposals, stressing the importance of strategic alignment with European partners. He guided participants through the ERASMUS+ application process, offering actionable insights to help institutions fully leverage the program’s opportunities. His presentation inspired attendees to view ERASMUS+ as not just a funding initiative but a powerful tool for international collaboration and academic excellence.

The half-day session provided participants with valuable insights into the ERASMUS+ program, igniting enthusiasm for global educational opportunities. The event highlighted the vital role of ENFP Malaysia, which continues to drive internationalization efforts in Malaysia’s higher education landscape by fostering partnerships, facilitating access to global funding, and empowering institutions to excel on the world stage. Through engaging presentations and active participation, the session reaffirmed UniMAP’s and Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening educational ties with Europe, paving the way for impactful collaborations, transformative research, and institutional growth.

Prepared by:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Ariffin Abu Hassan
Nur Masitoh Islamiah Mustaffa Kamal