BRUSSELS, Feb 5 – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Ariffin Abu Hassan, Malaysia’s Erasmus+ National Focal Point (ENFP) and Director of UTM International, was recognized as the Most Active ENFP in the Asia Region by the European Union (EU). He received this honor among 20 ENFPs representing various countries across Asia. The award was presented during the NEO-ICP-ENFP Meeting 2025, which took place in Brussels, Belgium, from January 4 to 6. The event gathered around 250 representatives from over 110 countries, including National Erasmus+ Offices (NEOs), International Contact Points (ICPs), and ENFPs, all aimed at strengthening global collaboration in higher education.
In a remarkable moment, Malaysia was given an unplanned opportunity to share its best practices in Erasmus+ with 110 delegates. Though not originally on the event agenda, this recognition reaffirmed Malaysia’s status as one of the top-performing ENFPs (Erasmus+ National and Regional Contact Points), further solidifying its role in advancing Erasmus+ initiatives globally. This platform not only increased the visibility of Malaysian higher education institutions (HEIs), particularly Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) but also positioned Malaysia as a strategic partner for future Erasmus+ collaborations.
“As we continue to expand Erasmus+ outreach and partnerships, Malaysia is set to play an even greater role in fostering global academic cooperation. This achievement highlights UTM’s commitment to bridging Malaysian and EU universities through Erasmus+, aligning with the Ministry of Higher Education’s (MOHE) internationalization agenda,” said Dr. Ariffin.
As Malaysia’s ENFP, Dr. Ariffin is dedicated to promoting Erasmus+ opportunities and encouraging more Malaysians to participate, ensuring they do not miss out on the invaluable programs and funding provided by the EU. The success of Malaysia’s ENFP efforts is further strengthened by the full support and guidance of Dr. Md Ashiqur Rahman, Regional Manager for Asia, who is based in Brussels and provides centralized support to the Network of ENFPs. His encouragement for ENFPs to actively engage in Erasmus+ programs and his strategic support have paved the way for Malaysia to stand out as a key player in international academic collaboration.
During the session, Dr. Ariffin emphasized several key initiatives, including the establishment of the Erasmus+ Hub at UTM Kuala Lumpur. This hub serves as a dedicated space to enhance engagement and collaboration. Other initiatives mentioned include the Erasmus Days celebrations, Erasmus+ Info Sessions held at various public universities, and strategic promotions through international platforms such as the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE), the European Association for International Education (EAIE), the Eurasia Higher Education Summit (EURIE), and the Asia Technology University Network (ATU-Net).
This recognition highlights Malaysia’s strong commitment to internationalization and capacity building in higher education. By continuously expanding the outreach of Erasmus+, fostering meaningful partnerships, and enhancing global engagement, Malaysia is steadily positioning itself as a significant player in the global education landscape.
Prepared by:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Ariffin Abu Hassan
Nur Masitoh Islamiah Mustaffa Kamal