UNITED KINGDOM, 11 March 2025: On 10 March 2025, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & International) of Universiti Utara Malaysia, Prof. Dr. Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani, met with Prof. Dr. Helen Bao, Director of the Lab of Interdisciplinary Spatial Analysis at the University of Cambridge.
The meeting took place alongside TNCAA’s invitation for Prof. Dr Azizuddin to speak at the Malay World Studies Seminar Series at the University of Cambridge.
Their discussion revolved around the vital role of early-career researchers, the opportunities provided by postdoctoral programs at top universities, and the importance of academic internationalization. They agreed that postdoctoral programs offer young lecturers an invaluable opportunity to enhance their skills, gain hands-on research experience, and build strong professional networks.
By engaging with leading experts and institutions, these researchers not only advance their own careers but also bring fresh insights and expertise back to their home universities. More importantly, such programs create pathways for international collaboration and research funding, allowing scholars to tap into world-class resources and methodologies.
The meeting naturally expanded to the broader impact of academic internationalization. Both agreed that staff and student exchanges – at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels – play a crucial role in enriching experiences and strengthening research capabilities. Collaborative supervision and research training were also highlighted as the key drivers of knowledge sharing and institutional growth.
Ultimately, they recognized that by supporting young academics in accessing global opportunities, universities can cultivate a more dynamic academic environment, strengthen partnerships, and elevate their global standing.
