Strengthening collaboration beyond boundaries through the OYAGSB-BINUS Faculty Mobility Programme

KUALA LUMPUR, 21 November 2024: In a bid to strengthen academic collaboration, promote cross-cultural understanding, and enhance faculty members’ professional growth through immersive, international experiences, the Othman Yeop Abdullah Graduate School of Business (OYAGSB) and BINUS Business School of BINUS University, Indonesia, have launched a faculty mobility programme.

This initiative reflects both institutions’ commitment to global education, fostering a collaborative ecosystem that benefits faculty and students alike.

The faculty mobility programme is a part of OYAGSB’s broader mobility initiative, which also includes an outbound programme for students to Jakarta, Indonesia. Through the faculty mobility, faculty members from UUM and BINUS University participate in joint teaching, research, and academic activities. The participating faculty members contribute to various academic departments, lead workshops and seminars, and engage in collaborative research that aligns with the strategic priorities of both universities.

The first faculty mobility began with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pantri Heriyati from BINUS University, who travelled to OYAGSB Kuala Lumpur to participate in joint-teaching sessions with MBA students in a Strategic Marketing course. Following this, OYAGSB faculty members Dr. Teh Raihana Nazirah Roslan and Dr. Rohail Hassan visited BINUS University in October, contributing as guest speakers in BINUS’s annual International Lecture Week (ILW) and conducting in-class lectures.

The exchange continued with visits from Dr. Anitra Maharani and Dr. Mohd Ichsan, who participated in co-teaching sessions with MBA students in Organizational Behavior and Innovation & Operations Management courses, respectively.

This exchange of pedagogical practices has allowed faculty to explore diverse teaching methodologies, enriching the student experience at both institutions. Dr. Mohd Ichsan, a BINUS University management scholar with over 20 years of experience in project management, shared his enthusiasm for the programme, saying, “Thank you for giving me this wonderful opportunity. This programme has broadened my perspective, allowing me to share my research and teaching approach with UUM MBA students in a completely different academic setting. It is truly inspiring to see students and faculty members benefit from the programme.”

Additionally, faculty members gained invaluable experience in international academia, enhancing their teaching skills, research capabilities, and global perspectives, ultimately positioning them as advocates for international education upon their return.

“Without doubt, when a lecturer participates in international mobility programmes, it can raise the profile of their institution. Faculty exchanges, collaborations, and knowledge-sharing contribute to the institution’s reputation for fostering global partnerships, which can attract more international students and faculty and enhance its overall standing in the academic community,” highlighted Dr. Teh Raihana Nazirah, one of the participants.

During her faculty exchange in October 2024, she shared her expertise on Managing Corporate Risk and presented her research on Malaysian Students’ Tendency in Choosing TVET: Classification Using AHP and Decision Tree Models.

The Faculty Mobility Programme has proven to be more than just an academic exchange. Dr Rohail Hassan, the PhD Programme Director at OYAGSB and one of the programme’s participants, presented a lecture on Empowering Gen Z Entrepreneurs: AI-Driven Strategic Management for New Business at Binus University. Reflecting on his experience, he said, “The Faculty Mobility Programme was more than just a teaching experience; it was a journey of growth, collaboration, and cultural immersion. My interactions with BINUS faculty and students enriched my research approach and inspired new ideas for future projects.”

The Faculty Mobility Programme has further strengthened the academic ties between UUM and BINUS University, facilitating collaborative projects such as research and joint publications that advance academic knowledge in both countries. This partnership represents a strategic step toward internationalising both institutions’ academic offerings and promoting a culture of academic excellence and mutual respect. Through this collaboration, OYAGSB and BINUS Business School reaffirm their commitment to fostering global perspectives and enhancing academic cooperation across borders. – Rozita Ramli