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 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:
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Elevating University Visibility: Amplifying Impact, Inspiring Excellence
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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. |
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| 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: Facilitator 1: Associate Prof. Dr. Mohd Ariffin B. Abu Hassan |
| 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. |
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| 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
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For more details, contact us :
UPF Secretariat