Photos Muhammad Iqbal Roslan
SINTOK, 12 November 2025: Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) further cemented its reputation as a globally engaged institution by successfully hosting LeadersMind 2025 and the UUM Global Partnership Dinner 2025, held in conjunction with the UUM 38th Convocation Ceremony.Both events underscored UUM’s continued commitment to internationa collaboration and visionary academic leadership.
The series of prestigious gatherings brought together rectors, vice-rectors, and senior representatives from UUM’s international partner institutions across Indonesia, Thailand, and Uzbekistan, as well as diplomatic representatives from the Embassy of Nigeria and His Excellency, the Consul-General of Japan in Penang. Their presence underscored the strong and enduring partnerships that UUM continues to nurture on the global stage.
The LeadersMind 2025, an inaugural international leadership platform held at EDC-UUM on 8 November 2025, provided an avenue for higher education leaders to sharensights and deliberate on the evolving role of universities in an increasingly interconnected and competitive world.
The forum culminated in key resolutions, notably the need to balance global ranking ambitions with local missions, ensuring universities remain responsive to national priorities while pursuing international excellence; and the importance of embedding universities within their local communities through initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to promote inclusive and sustainable growth.
In conjunction with the forum, UUM also formalised several new collaborations through the exchange of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Forum Pimpinan Perguruan Tinggi Keagamaan Islam Swasta Jawa Barat (FORPIM PKTIS), Indonesia; Politeknik Kesejahteraan Sosial (POLTEKESOS), Indonesia and Nordic International University (NIU), Uzbekistan.
Additionally, UUM exchanged an Academic Exchange Programme (AEP) agreement with the Tashkent International University of Financial Management and Technologies (TIFT), Uzbekistan.
These strategic partnerships are expected to expand UUM’s international footprint, strengthen academic and research collaborations, and create wider avenues for student and staff mobility. UUM envisions these alliences as catalysts for achieving greater milestones in global education, research innovation, and intercultural understanding in the years to come.
The day concluded with the UUM Global Partnership Dinner 2025, also held at EDC-UUM — a heartfelt appreciation event to celebrate UUM’s global partners for their unwavering trust, friendship, and continued collaboration. The evening was graced by UUM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mohd Foad Sakdan, who expressed his sincere gratitude to all partners for their steadfast support in advancing education and international cooperation.
In his address, Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mohd Foad remarked that UUM’s partnerships are “more than formal agreements — they are bridges that connect people, ideas, and aspirations.” He reaffirmed UUM’s unwavering commitment to cultivating global mindsets, intercultural understanding, and ethical leadership among students through collaborative programmes, joint research, and academic exchanges.
Adding colour and vibrancy to the evening, guests were treated to a cultural showcase featuring young and talented UUM dancers and singers, whose captivating dances and songs celebrated Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality. The night concluded on a warm and inspiring note, marked by camaraderie, shared purpose, and a renewed vision for deeper international collaboration.
To complete their Sintok experience, international guests were invited to attend the UUM 38th Convocation Ceremony, where they witnessed one of UUM’s most cherished traditions. They were honoured to attend the opening session graced by His Royal Highness the Sultan of Kedah, Chancellor of UUM. The moment offered delegates a glimpse into UUM’s enduring commitment to academic excellence, cultural identity, and royal patronage — the pillars that continue to elevate the university’s prestige.
The international delegates departed Sintok with renewed enthusiasm and optimism, inspired to continue building bridges of knowledge, cooperation, and friendship. Their shared experiences reaffirmed a collective mission — to ensure that UUM’s vision of shaping future global leaders rooted in strong local values continues to shine brightly on the world stage. – Mohd Azri Abdul Aziz
