USM PENANG, 25 March 2025 – The CTEF's Academic Forum 2025 was held virtually today to explore strategies for enhancing internationalisation in higher education, focusing on university and student mobility.

The forum was jointly organised by the Commonwealth Tertiary Education Facility (CTEF), the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), and the National Higher Education Research Institute (IPPTN). 

Focusing on the “Internationalisation in Higher Education: Enhancing University Excellence and Student Mobility" issue, the forum addressed key challenges such as financial barriers and digitalisation, highlighting innovative solutions for inclusive and accessible global learning.

In her opening speech, USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic and International, Professor Dato’ Gs. Dr. Narimah Samat, emphasised that internationalisation is a vital force driving innovation, enriching our academic environment, exploring new research, and preparing our students to become global citizens.

“We acknowledge that internationalisation is a powerful catalyst for enhancing university excellence. The quality of our teaching, research, and scholarship can be elevated by fostering international partnerships, engaging in collaborative research, and embracing diverse perspectives.

“In the context of student mobility, studying abroad, participating in exchange programmes, and engaging in international internships are invaluable experiences that broaden students' horizons, develop their intercultural competence, and enhance their employability,” Narimah said.

The guest speakers for the forum were the Assistant Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Global Affairs) Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), Brunei Darussalam, Dr. Joyce Teo; and the Dean, School of The Arts, who is also the Former Director, International Mobility and Collaboration Centre (IMCC) USM, Associate Professor Dr. Muhizam Mustafa. The session was moderated by the Director of CTEF and IPPTN, Associate Professor Dr. Thien Lei Mee.

During the first panel session, Joyce Teo believed that a successful university is not only defined by high graduation rates and impactful research but also by its ability to foster global citizenship, enhance academic quality, and build meaningful international partnerships.

She added, by fostering collaboration, embracing AI, and promoting sustainability, universities can create an inclusive and globally connected learning environment.

Consequently, Muhizam explains that global mobility in higher education offers students transformative experiences that enhance academic, professional, and cultural competencies.

“While international education fosters cross-border collaboration and economic benefits, persistent challenges such as financial constraints, visa policies, and recognition of academic credentials must be addressed,” he said.  

He also stated that, governments, universities, and international organisations should work together to create inclusive and accessible mobility programmes, ensuring that all students can thrive in a globally connected world.

The Chair of Malaysian Society for Higher Education Policy and Research Development (PenDaPat), Professor Dato’ Dr. Norzaini Azman then delivered the closing remarks at the end of the programme.

She highlighted that innovation must go beyond policy reforms to practical implementation. Streamlining policy implementation will create more flexible and personalised international education opportunities.

She added, “By committing to high-quality internationalisation efforts aligned with institutional missions and strategic priorities, universities can reinforce their global competitiveness while fostering a thriving academic environment.”

This webinar successfully attracted almost 300 participants, consisting of academics, administrators, and students from higher education institutions in Malaysia, Kenya, China, the Philippines, India, Brunei, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Palestine, and other countries.

Also present at the virtual forum was the CTEF and IPPTN Project Coordinator, Sri Jeyanthirar Subramaniam, and Project Officer, Dr. Nur Rafidah Asyikin Idris.

The Commonwealth Tertiary Education Facility (CTEF) is a collaboration between the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia (MoHE) and the Commonwealth Secretariat (COMSEC) in London to strengthen the link among Commonwealth countries in the development of tertiary education.

It comprises a network of partners to generate knowledge and share good practices concerning tertiary education matters among Commonwealth countries.

The key role of CTEF is to provide policy advice and guidance to ministers who are responsible for higher education in Commonwealth countries.

Text: Dr. Nur Rafidah Asyikin Idris, Project Officer, CTEF/Editing: Tan Ewe Hoe/Photos: CTEF & IPPTN