UMPSA strengthens Malaysia–Türkiye collaboration through ICM Erasmus+ Student Mobility Programme

PEKAN, 18 July 2026 – Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), through the Centre for Modern Languages in collaboration with the Centre for Academic Collaboration and Mobility, recently welcomed Abdullah Barca from Bingöl University, Türkiye, under the International Credit Mobility (ICM) Erasmus+ Student Mobility Programme.
 

The mobility programme showcases the growing partnership between UMPSA and Bingöl University, one of UMPSA’s partners in Türkiye. 

The Erasmus+ grant supporting the collaboration was successfully secured in 2024, creating opportunities for student mobility, academic collaboration and knowledge exchange between the two institutions.

UMPSA has been actively pursuing Erasmus+ funding to expand its global engagement and international partnerships. 

In 2023, UMPSA hosted academic staff from Türkiye under the Erasmus+ programme, further strengthening institutional cooperation. 

Prior to that, UMPSA academic staff had also undertaken mobility programmes at Istanbul Technical University and Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University, demonstrating the University's continued commitment to fostering academic networks and meaningful collaboration with higher education institutions in Türkiye.

Securing an Erasmus+ grant is a highly competitive process that requires strong institutional commitment, strategic planning and the confidence of international partners. 

Beyond a well-developed proposal, successful applications are built on mutual trust, a shared vision and a proven track record of collaboration between participating institutions.

Held from 29 June to 18 July 2026, the three-week mobility programme provided Barca, a doctoral student in Zaza Language and Literature, with the opportunity to engage in academic activities while experiencing Malaysian culture and campus life. 

Coordinated by the Centre for Modern Languages, the programme combined scholarly exchange with cultural immersion, offering a holistic learning experience that extended beyond the classroom.

As part of the programme, Barca delivered a sharing session entitled ‘A Sociopolitical Analysis of the Zaza Language and Literature in the Context of Minority Languages: Zazas and Zazaki from Past to Present.’ 

The lecture introduced participants to the historical development of the Zaza language, the evolution of Zaza literature and the sociopolitical issues surrounding minority languages in Türkiye and the Middle East.

Beyond academic activities, Barca explored UMPSA's campuses and visited several destinations in Pahang and beyond, including Pekan, Kuantan, Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves and Redang Island. 

He also experienced Malaysian cuisine, interacted with students and staff, and gained first-hand insights into the country's multicultural society and rich cultural heritage. 

These experiences complemented his academic programme and strengthened the value of international mobility in promoting intercultural understanding.

Reflecting on his experience at UMPSA, Barca said the mobility programme had given him much more than academic knowledge.

"My time at UMPSA has been much more than an academic journey. 

“It gave me the opportunity to meet wonderful people, experience Malaysia's rich culture and build friendships that I will always remember. 

“This programme showed me that student mobility is not only about learning at a different university, but also about understanding one another and building bridges between our countries,” he said. 

He also expressed his sincere appreciation to UMPSA, particularly the Centre for Modern Languages, the Centre for Academic Collaboration and Mobility, and his supervisor, Associate Professor Dr. Zuraina Ali for their continuous support and warm hospitality throughout his stay.
 
Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Professor Datin Dr. Mimi Sakinah Abdul Munaim, who coordinated the mobility programme, said that international mobility initiatives such as Erasmus+ create meaningful opportunities for students to experience different academic environments while fostering mutual respect and intercultural understanding.

"International mobility is about more than crossing borders. 

“It allows students to exchange ideas, appreciate different cultures and build lasting relationships that often become the foundation for future academic and research collaborations. 

“We are delighted to welcome Abdullah to UMPSA and look forward to strengthening our partnership with Bingöl University through more collaborative initiatives," she said.

UMPSA has also expanded its research mobility initiatives. 

As of now, UMPSA has hosted two doctoral students under its research mobility framework. 

Among them was Linda Mari Stjernholm, a PhD student from Lund University, Sweden, who undertook a short-term research attachment programme at UMPSA in May 2026. 

Hosted by the Centre for Inclusive Services, the programme provided opportunities for academic exchange, research exposure and knowledge sharing in the field of inclusive services. 

Her mobility programme was fully funded by the Royal Physiographic Society of Lund, a prestigious Swedish academic institution committed to advancing research, innovation and knowledge development.

The ICM Erasmus+ Student Mobility Programme continues to deepen UMPSA's commitment to internationalisation by expanding global academic partnerships, promoting intercultural learning and creating transformative educational experiences for students and staff across borders.

By: Associate Professor Dr. Nik Aloesnita Nik Mohd Alwi and Nur Ezzati Mohd Nasir, Centre for Academic Collaboration & Mobility