USM PENANG, 30 April 2026 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) hosted the Malaysia–Republic of Türkiye Higher Education Forum 2026 on 29 April 2026 as a strategic platform that brought together policymakers, academic leaders and global partners to strengthen bilateral cooperation in higher education, innovation, and future talent development.

The forum was structured around two complementary main sessions.

The morning session, themed “Charting the Future of Higher Education in the Era of Artificial Intelligence (AI),” focused on the need to transform higher education to become more responsive to technological advancements.

Chaired by Associate Professor Dr. Azeem Fazwan Ahmad Farouk, the session featured distinguished speakers including Datuk Professor Dr. Azlinda Azman, Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Naz’ri Mahrin, H.E. Necmeddin Bilal Erdoğan, and Professor Dr. Ahmet Yozgatligil.

Discussions emphasised the development of AI-driven academic ecosystems, the strengthening of institutional collaboration, and the need for more agile and resilient educational approaches.

The afternoon session highlighted the human dimension through the theme “Building an Empathetic World Through Education.”

It featured YB Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir and Professor Dr. Erol Özvar as the main panellists, as well as a public lecture delivered by H.E. Necmeddin Bilal Erdoğan.

The session underscored the role of education in shaping shared values, strengthening ethical leadership, and empowering the development of an inclusive and collaborative global society.

Organised with the support of national and international strategic partners, the forum served as a strategic platform for strengthening high-impact collaborative networks, exploring sustainable funding approaches, and enhancing the global visibility of participating institutions.

Overall, the forum highlighted the role of higher education as a catalyst for transformation in producing competitive graduates who are prepared to navigate an increasingly complex and technology-driven global landscape.

Original Text: Sr. Dr. Muneera Esa, International Office, USM/Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa & Muhamad Faris Darwisy Mohammad Rafiq