Teaching mobility strengthens global collaboration between UUM and Montpellier Business School (MBS), France
FRANCE, 10 April 2025: Montpellier Business School (MBS) in France hosted its International Week from 24 to 28 March 2025. The event brought together 13 lecturers from partner universities across the world, including India, Malaysia, Peru, Mexico, Sweden, Ireland, the UK, Italy, and Poland.
Representing Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Dr. Nazahah Abd Rahim from the Othman Yeop Abdullah Graduate School of Business (OYAGSB) had the honour of participating in this dynamic international event. The program was designed to offer MBS students the opportunity to learn from global educators and engage with diverse academic perspectives.
Throughout the week, Dr. Nazahah conducted a 15-hour course titled “Social & Environmental Transition: Environmental Innovation, CSR, and Circular Economy”. This course introduced students to key sustainability concepts, including green innovation, the evolution of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and the principles of the circular economy. Her sessions were highly interactive, incorporating group activities and discussions to promote learning. Dr. Nazahah also shared valuable insights from Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia, offering students a broader understanding of global environmental challenges.
In addition to the academic component, MBS organized a series of cultural activities and guided city tours for the visiting lecturers. These activities allowed participants to explore the beautiful city of Montpellier, immerse themselves in its rich culture, and build friendships and professional connections with fellow scholars from around the world.
International Week serves as powerful platform for faculty exchange and co-teaching. It allows lecturers to share innovative teaching methods, learn from peers, and engage with students from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds. Furthermore, the program fosters opportunities for collaborative research, co-authored publications, and the exchange of regional expertise, hence contributing to both professional growth and academic innovation.
This teaching mobility program is a reflection of the deepening partnership between UUM and MBS. The relationship began through joint participation in global education networks and conferences such as AACSB and EFMD. These events provided a foundation for both institutions to connect and identify shared goals in business and management education.
Over time, this relationship has evolved into a formal partnership, based on mutual values such as global learning, innovation, and responsible leadership. A key area of collaboration is student mobility, with UUM set to welcome several MBS students in the upcoming academic year, demonstrating an encouraging sign of trust and confidence underpinning this partnership.
The UUM–MBS partnership exemplifies a strong commitment to internationalization, experiential learning, and high-quality business education. With great potential for further collaboration, especially in research, teaching, and student exchange, this partnership continues to benefit students, academic staff, and the broader strategic goals of both universities.
MBS hosts two International Weeks annually, in March and November. UUM’s Centre for International Affairs and Cooperation (CIAC) encourages all UUM lecturers to participate in the Teaching Mobility Program at MBS. Engaging in this initiative offers a meaningful academic and cultural experience, while also strengthening the collaborative ties between UUM and MBS. – Dr. Nazahah Abd Rahim
