14th UTM University Presidents Forum 2025

“Navigating the Intelligent Age for
Global University Excellence”

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia will host its signature programme, the 14th UTM University Presidents Forum 2025 in Persada Johor International Convention Centre on 7th and 8th October 2025. With the theme, “Navigating the Intelligent Age for Global University Excellence”, UTM-UPF 2025 aspires to establish a distinguished platform for the exchange of exemplary practices and the dissemination of advanced strategies aimed at catalysing the transformation of the global higher education landscape. The initiative is dedicated to fostering innovative solutions that proactively anticipate emerging trends and adeptly address the critical challenges confronting the higher education sector.

The main agenda is convening global university leaders to scrutinise and introspectively examine higher education’s diverse roles and obligations in developing nations. This is viewed through various lenses showcased through Panel Sessions, encompassing the sub-themes. This year’s iteration of UTM-UPF2025 will present a unique platform, the Presidents’ Round Table, comprising the participation of all attending university leaders.

This year, UTM-UPF 2025 will be held as a sub-event within UTM Global Connect 2025, a prominent gathering that also features programmes such as New Academia Learning Innovation (NALI) 2025, UTM Nexus Expo (NEXPO) 2025, The Industrial Art & Technology Exhibition (INATEX) 2025, and the International Conference on AI for Sustainable Innovation (AI-SI) 2025.

As the secretariat, UTM International emphasised UTM-UPF2025 as a shared forum for university leaders to dissect and deliberate contemporary concerns in higher education and establish strategies and action plans to increase collaboration and cooperation among participating universities.

 

Sub-Themes:

  • Elevating University Visibility: Amplifying Impact, Inspiring Excellence

  • Forging Innovative Research: Empowering Discovery, Shaping Future

UTM is honoured to receive the attendance of the Presidents, Vice-Chancellors, Rector, and leaders of a higher institution to this prestigious event. This forum is also attended by the Director of the International Office, Dean and Director of Research Office and Faculty Member from all over the world.

Get to know Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
DAY 1 : 7 October 2025 (Tuesday)
Programme tentative is subject to change.
08:00 – 09:00 Arrival of Guests and Registration
09:00 – 10:30 Opening Ceremony of UTM Global Connect 2025
10:30 – 11:00 Break and Refreshments
SESSION 1: Elevating University Visibility: Amplifying Impacts, Inspiring Excellence
11:00 – 11:10 Welcoming Address
Professor Dr. Mohd Shafry bin Mohd Rahim
Vice-Chancellor, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
11:10 – 12:10 Panel Session
12:10 – 12:30 Group Photo
12:30 – 13:00 Exhibition
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch Break
14:00 – 14:30 Keynote Address I
14:30 – 14:50

Facilitator Corner: 
Erasmus+ Focal Connect

Facilitator 1: Associate Prof. Dr. Mohd Ariffin B. Abu Hassan
Erasmus+ National Focal Person

14:50 – 15:50 Moving Forward Action Plan – Unlocking University Potential
15:50 – 16:00 Break
16:00 – 17:00 Quickfire Connect with INATEX & NALI
17:00 – 19:30 Welcoming Reception

 

 

DAY 2 : 8 October 2025 (Wednesday)
SESSION 2: Forging Innovative Research-Empowering Discovery, Shaping Future
09:00 – 09:30 Keynote Address II
09:30 – 10:30

Collaborative Research Excellence Programme

Open to all prefereably Research Deans/ Directors/ Researchers and Directors of International Office – University Leaders, Presidents, Vice-Chancellors, Rectors are also invited to join.

10:30 – 11:00 Break and Refreshments
11:00 – 12:30 (Cont.) Collaborative Research Excellence Programme
Open to all preferably Research Deans/ Directors/ Researchers and Directors of International Office
UTM-UPF 2025 Presidents’ Roundtable
Exclusively for University Leaders, Presidents, Vice-Chancellors and Rectors of participating institutions.
12:40 – 14:00 Lunch Break
14:00 – 15:30 Closing Ceremony of UTM Global Connect 2025
End of Programme

 *Dress code during meeting/forum: Lounge Suit/Formal Attire

 

14th UTM UPF 2025 Countdown

125

Day(s)

:

20

Hour(s)

:

23

Minute(s)

:

45

Second(s)

For more details, contact us :
UPF Secretariat

UTM International
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
upf@utm.my