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 at Persada Johor International Convention Centre, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia 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 27th Industrial Art and Technology Exhibition & Competition (INATEX) 2025, The New Academia Learning Innovation (NALI) 2025, and The 4th D-8 Network Pioneers for Research, Innovation and Coomercialisation (D-8 NPRI) Summit 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)
TIME AGENDA
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
11:00 – 11:30

Keynote Address I – “Artificial Intelligence Integration for the Future
University: A Malaysian Perspective” 

Mr. Shamsul Izhan Abdul Majid
Head, The National Artificial Intelligence Office (NAIO)

SESSION 1: Elevating University Visibility: Amplifying Impacts, Inspiring Excellence
11:30 – 12:30

Panel Session I – Elevating University Visibility- Amplifying Impact, Inspiring Excellence

  • Professor Dr. Koichi NODE, President, Saga University
  • Professor Dr. Ehsan Mesbahi, Academic Provost and Associate Vice President (International), University of Southampton Malaysia
12:30 – 12:35 Group Photo
12:35 – 13:00 Exhibition (UTM NALI & INATEX)
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch Break
14:00 – 14:30

Keynote Address II

Professor Venky Shankararaman
President, The Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE)

14:30 – 15:30

Panel Session II – Moving Forward Action Plan – Unlocking University Potential

  • Professor Dr. Nikita Anisimov, Rector, HSE University, Russia
  • Professor Dr. Irwan Meilano, Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia
15:30 – 15:45 Collaboration Exchange Session
15:45 – 16:00 Break
16:00 – 17:30 Quickfire Connect 
17:45 – 19:30

Welcome Reception

Dress Code: Business Casual

 

*Dress code during meeting/ forum : Lounge Suit/ Formal Attire
**Some programmes are subject to changes

TIME AGENDA
SESSION 3: Forging innovative Research – Empowering Discovery, Shaping Future
Moderator: Prof Rosli bin Md Illias @RMC

09:00 – 09:30 Registration
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
UPF 2025 Presidents’ Roundtable/Summit
Exclusively for University Leaders, Presidents, Vice-Chancellors and Rectors
12:40 – 13:00 Closing Session of the 14th UTM University Presidents Forum 2025
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch 
14:00 – 15:30 Excursion to Johor Bahru City
End of Programme

 

*Dress code during meeting/ forum : Lounge Suit/ Formal Attire
**Some programmes are subject to changes

14th UTM UPF 2025 Countdown

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For more details, contact us :
UPF Secretariat

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