UMPSA Advances Global Education Goals at EURIE 2025

ISTANBUL, 7 April 2025 – Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) strengthened its commitment to inclusive global education through its participation at the 10th Eurasia Higher Education Summit (EURIE 2025), held at the Istanbul Lütfi Kırdar International Convention and Exhibition Centre. 

Bringing together higher education leaders, policymakers, and innovators from more than 60 countries, the summit provided a strategic platform for UMPSA to showcase its internationalisation efforts and deepen cross border academic collaborations.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Professor Dato' Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Ziad Sulaiman, represented UMPSA in a panel session titled ‘Fostering Global Competencies: Advancing Dual Degree Programmes through Strategic Transnational Collaboration in Asia’. 

He highlighted the success of the UMPSA Beijing Jiaotong University (BJTU) dual degree programme and emphasised UMPSA’s enduring collaboration with Germany, which spans over 15 years and continues to grow through academic and industrial partnerships.

“Education must transcend borders.

“Our dual degree programmes are designed not only to foster academic excellence but also to cultivate cultural intelligence and adaptability, skills that are vital in today’s interconnected world,” Professor Dato' Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Ziad remarked.

The panel was moderated by Dr. Ivor Emmanuel from the University of California, while Dr. Jill Blondin of Virginia Commonwealth University shared compelling insights on building sustainable and innovative international partnerships.

UMPSA’s inclusive approach to global learning was further emphasised through a poster presentation by Nur Ezzati Mohd Nasir from the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, titled ‘Beyond Borders: Guest Lectures as a Catalyst for Global Citizenship in Non Urban Universities’. 

Her presentation showcased how strategic use of virtual guest lectures can bridge geographical and resource gaps, allowing students at non metropolitan campuses to benefit from international exposure.

One example included the Visiting Lectureship Programme with Shibaura Institute of Technology, Japan where Professor Hiroyuki Ishizaki delivered cross cultural lectures that broadened students' global outlook at UMPSA. 

Beyond the summit, UMPSA deepened its international network through a courtesy visit to Marmara University. 

Professor Hasan Korkut, Vice-Rector, welcomed discussions on potential collaboration in research, student and staff mobility. 

Professor Dato' Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Ziad expressed optimism about the partnership, citing both universities' shared emphasis on industry aligned education as a strong foundation for future cooperation.

The delegation also had a session with UMPSA student Siti Maizurah Zulkafli, currently on exchange at Istanbul Technical University. 

Her experience served as a reflection of UMPSA’s vision of nurturing globally competent graduates through meaningful mobility opportunities. 

Throughout EURIE 2025, UMPSA engaged with delegates from Russia, Indonesia, Poland, Romania, Spain, Türkiye, and the United States, exploring diverse areas of collaboration including student exchange, joint research, and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education & Training) partnerships. 

These discussions set the stage for strategic alliances that will expand UMPSA’s global impact.

The summit concluded with an official dinner with Malaysia’s Minister of Higher Education, YB Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir. 

The event was attended by Malaysian institutions participating in EURIE, officials from the Embassy of Malaysia in Türkiye, Malaysian students currently pursuing their studies in Türkiye, as well as Türkiye alumni from Malaysia. 

The gathering reflected Malaysia’s united vision for advancing international academic cooperation and strengthening engagement with its global academic, student, and alumni communities.

Reflecting on UMPSA’s participation, Professor Dato' Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Ziad noted that UMPSA’s internationalisation strategy is not about superficial presence, but about building enduring, impactful relationships.

“We are not just seeking visibility, we are creating meaningful and sustainable partnerships that prepare our students to thrive in a global environment,” he emphasised.

By championing accessibility, innovation, and cross cultural collaboration, UMPSA continues to position itself as a forward looking technical university with regional relevance and global aspirations. 

Its presence at EURIE 2025 marks another milestone in its transformation into an inclusive, globally engaged institution, bridging people, knowledge, and opportunities across continents.

By: Nur Ezzati Mohd Nasir, Office of The Vice-Chancellor