SINTOK, 13 February 2025: Education serves as the foundation of ASEAN’s future, driving innovation and facilitating cross-cultural learning. In addition, it plays a crucial role in nurturing a new generation of leaders dedicated to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mohd Foad Sakdan, the Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Utara Malaysia, said that by encouraging student mobility across ASEAN countries will enhance ties between higher education institutions and cultivates a new generation of ASEAN leaders among university students.
According to him, UUM very much welcomes all participants to the ASEAN Student Mobility Programme scheduled to take place from 11 to 25 February in conjunction with the ASEAN Student University Exhibition and Forum 2025 (AEF2025) at UUM and Selangor.
He said that this distinguished gathering, which unites over 500 students from more than 100 universities across ASEAN, exemplifies the spirit of regional cooperation, academic excellence, and youth empowerment.
“This initiative serves as a robust platform for students to engage with pressing regional and global issues through academic exchanges, innovation showcases and leadership dialogues.
“It offers opportunities for knowledge exchange, network creation, and the development of solutions that contribute to a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable ASEAN,” he said during the opening of the ASEAN Student Mobility Programme 2025.
He added that the friendships and collaborations forged here will transcend borders, thus further strengthening the transformative power of education in uniting the region.
Dr. Mohd Foad also expressed his sincere gratitude to all participating universities and esteemed partners, acknowledging their essential contributions to the success of this event.
According to him, the dedication demonstrated reflects the shared vision of excellence in higher education and commitment to the collective advancement of ASEAN.
Meanwhile, the Director of the Centre for International Affairs and Cooperation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arpah Abu Bakar emphasised the importance for each student to seize this opportunity to engage in learning and establish connections with peers across ASEAN.
She highlighted that as future leaders of ASEAN, the ideas, energy and dedication of students have the potential to shape the regional understanding.
“We extend a warm welcome to Malaysia, to Universiti Utara Malaysia and to AEF2025.
“May this programme serve as an enriching and transformative experience for all involved,” she said.
