Photo Siti Anum Jab
KUALA LUMPUR, 14 June 2026: Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) recently hosted a strategic engagement session with representatives from Nantong University, China, at the UUM Kuala Lumpur (UUMKL) Campus, marking another significant step in strengthening international academic cooperation and advancing the university’s globalisation agenda.
The meeting, chaired by UUM Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Ahmad Martadha Mohamed, served as a platform for both institutions to explore a broad spectrum of collaborative opportunities encompassing postgraduate education, academic mobility, research partnerships, and staff development initiatives.
Also in attendance were Provost of UUMKL, Prof. Dr. Norlena Hasnan; Dean of the Othman Yeop Abdullah Graduate School of Business (OYAGSB), Prof. Dr. Hasnizam Shaari; Dean of UUMKL, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nik Adzrieman Abdul Rahman; and Director of the Centre for International Affairs and Cooperation (CIAC), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Hisham Zainal Abidin.
The discussions focused on several strategic areas of mutual interest, including postgraduate student recruitment, student mobility programmes, academic staff exchanges, joint research initiatives, and broader international engagement activities. Both universities also explored avenues for creating meaningful learning experiences and professional development opportunities that would benefit students and staff.
Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Martadha emphasised the importance of forging partnerships with reputable international institutions as part of UUM’s efforts to enhance its global visibility, expand its academic footprint, and strengthen its academic network.
“This engagement reflects UUM’s unwavering commitment to internationalisation and to cultivating meaningful partnerships that generate value for both institutions. Such collaborations not only enrich the academic and professional experiences of our students and staff but also strengthen UUM’s standing within the global higher education landscape,” he said.
Representing Nantong University, Dr. Meng Michelle expressed optimism regarding the prospects of the emerging partnership and underscored the significance of academic exchange and cross-border cooperation in advancing the quality and impact of higher education.
The meeting concluded on a highly positive note, with both parties expressing a strong commitment to pursuing future initiatives that will deepen institutional ties, promote academic excellence, and facilitate greater collaboration across teaching, research, and community engagement.
The engagement reflects the shared aspiration of UUM and Nantong University to cultivate a dynamic and mutually beneficial partnership, one that will contribute to the advancement of knowledge, the development of global talent, and the strengthening of international higher education cooperation in the years ahead. – Nur Afiqah Abu Bakar
