A Week of Global Collaboration and Academic Exchange Begins: UUM Welcomes 22 Visiting Professors for IFEX @ UUM 2025
Pictures Hairul Nizam Zahari
SINTOK, 27 October 2025: Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) proudly ushered in a vibrant week of global collaboration and academic exchange as it welcomed 22 visiting professors and lecturers from eight countries for the International Faculty Exchange Week (IFEX @ UUM 2025), a flagship internationalisation initiative that continues to expand in both scale and significance.
Organised by the Centre for International Affairs and Cooperation (CIAC) and the Human Resource Department, in collaboration with all 11 academic schools, IFEX @ UUM 2025 brings together scholars from Poland, Japan, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Romania, and Thailand. Throughout the week, the participants will take part in teaching sessions, seminars, research discussions, and cultural immersion activities aimed at strengthening academic ties and fostering enduring cross-border collaborations.
The visiting scholars arrived in Alor Setar on 25 October 2025, where they were warmly welcomed by UUM representatives and student hosts. The journey continued with a campus tour of the picturesque Sintok campus, culminating in the Opening Ceremony held on 26 October at the UUM Convention Complex.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & International), Professor Dr. Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani, officiated the ceremony and extended heartfelt appreciation to the visiting scholars for their enthusiasm and commitment to UUM’s international agenda.
“IFEX is not merely an academic initiative — it is a living embodiment of UUM’s vision to nurture global leaders, strengthen intercultural understanding, and advance internationalisation at home. Your participation enriches our university community and brings the world to UUM.” he said.
In her welcoming remarks, Associate Professor Dr. Arpah Abu Bakar, Director of CIAC, reflected on the impressive growth of IFEX since its inception in 2023.
“What began as a modest exchange involving seven professors from Indonesia has now evolved into a global platform connecting scholars from Asia and Europe,” she shared. “This year’s participation reflects UUM’s growing reputation as a trusted partner in international higher education and our unwavering commitment to meaningful, transparent, and impactful collaboration.”
The ceremony also featured the Presentation of Appointment Letters and IFEX Kit Handover, symbolising the official commencement of the week-long engagements across UUM’s 11 schools.
Among the international participants is Dr. Piotr Swoboda from the University of the National Education Commission, Poland, hosted by Dr. Sharif Shofirun Sharif Ali from the School of Government. Joining IFEX for the first time, Dr. Piotr expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate in Malaysia and experience Southeast Asia’s dynamic academic culture.
“This is my first visit to the region, and I am deeply thankful for the warmth and hospitality shown by UUM and my host,” he said. “I look forward to sharing knowledge and building lasting academic partnerships.”
Now in its third and largest edition, IFEX@UUM 2025 continues throughout the week with an engaging line-up of seminars, workshops, leadership dialogues, and networking sessions, embodying UUM’s mission of building global connections and advancing internationalisation at home.
