UMPSA strengthens international collaboration at Going Global 2025, explores partnership with University of East Anglia

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, 30 October 2025 – Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) continued to build its global presence through participation in the Going Global 2025 Conference, organised by the British Council. 

Led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Yatimah Alias, the UMPSA delegation took part in several important meetings and discussions focused on strengthening international cooperation in higher education, research, and innovation.

One of the main highlights of the visit was the official meeting between Professor Dr. Yatimah and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of East Anglia (UEA), Professor David Maguire. 

The meeting was held at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in Westminster and was attended by Nur Ezzati Mohd Nasir from UMPSA Global and UEA’s Head of International Student Recruitment, Craig Smitherman.

The discussion aimed to explore potential strategic collaboration between both universities.

During the meeting, UMPSA and UEA shared their interest in working together in several key areas, including sustainable engineering, renewable energy, smart manufacturing, and the circular economy. 

These areas are important as countries around the world are moving towards cleaner technologies and more efficient use of resources. 

Both universities also expressed interest in developing a dual PhD programme, expanding staff and student mobility, and creating Global Classroom modules and Micro-Credential programmes related to sustainability and Industry 4.0.

Professor Dr. Yatimah also introduced UMPSA’s long-term goals, especially the university’s aim to strengthen its position as one of Malaysia’s leading technical universities under MTUN. 

She highlighted UMPSA’s commitment to becoming the ASEAN Advanced TVET Hub by 2030 and realising the Eco-University 2030 vision. 

These plans focus on digital transformation, sustainability, and preparing graduates with globally relevant skills. 

UEA, with its strong reputation in sustainability education, interdisciplinary research, and green campus practices, was identified as a promising strategic partner.
Both institutions discussed several early initiatives that could be implemented. 

These include the creation of a Joint Research Group in Sustainable Engineering and Automation and the proposal to establish a Joint Research Centre for Sustainable Engineering and Circular Economy. 

These initiatives aim to encourage joint research, publication, and international grant applications, as well as support industry-relevant innovation. 

UMPSA also proposed staff training attachments at UEA, where UMPSA personnel can learn best practices in academic governance, financial management, and research development.

In addition to the partnership discussions with the United Kingdom, the UMPSA delegation also met with institutions from Egypt and Oman. 

These meetings focused on exploring opportunities for academic collaborations, student development, and capacity-building initiatives for universities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. 

This is part of UMPSA’s effort to widen its global network and tap into new regions for mutually beneficial partnerships.

Throughout the three-day conference, Professor Dr. Yatimah also attended several important sessions that addressed current and future issues in global higher education. 

Among these were ‘AI at a Crossroads: How Can We Capitalise on AI While Managing the Risks?’  and ‘Opportunity-Driven TVET: The Future of Skills Development.’

These sessions highlighted the rapid development of artificial intelligence and the growing need for new skills in the global workforce. 

The discussions also stressed the importance of innovation and digital transformation in preparing students for the future.

Professor Dr. Yatimah also played an active role in the session titled ‘From Local to Global – Strengthening University–Industry Collaboration.’

In this session, she shared Malaysia’s perspective and presented UMPSA’s successful approach to strengthening cooperation between universities and industry partners. 

She highlighted UMPSA’s industry-driven micro-credential programmes, developed through QVC UMPSA, which help students and working professionals stay updated with industry trends and skill requirements.

The UMPSA delegation concluded its participation by attending the Day 3 Plenary: ‘Building Resilience for a Volatile Future.’
This session was chaired by Professor ’Funmi Olonisakin from King’s College London and featured speakers from South Africa, Türkiye, India, and the United Kingdom. 

The plenary focused on how universities can remain resilient and adaptable in a rapidly changing global environment. 

The topics discussed were closely related to UMPSA’s SPIROS framework, particularly the elements of Resilience and Sustainability, which guide UMPSA’s strategy and long-term planning.

Reflecting on UMPSA’s participation in Going Global 2025, Professor Dr. Yatimah emphasised that joining such international platforms is essential not only for building networks but also for strengthening UMPSA’s commitment to global excellence.

“UMPSA will continue to move forward as a world-class technical university, leading with values, empowering through knowledge, and inspiring through action,” she said.

By: Nur Ezzati Mohd Nasir, Centre for Global Engagement