The Alliance of Government-Linked Universities (GLU), comprising Multimedia University (MMU), Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), and Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), recently hosted its sixth annual Management Forum.
Established in 2016 to foster collaboration and innovation across various areas of higher education, the alliance brings together the four institutions under the theme of "Rethinking Higher Education: A Path Towards Sustainability of GLU."
This year's forum emphasises the importance of a sustainable future for GLU universities. Founded on the principles of commonality, collegiality, and cooperation, the alliance strives to strengthen the bonds between these institutions and contribute significantly to the advancement of Malaysian education.
Their vision is to establish a sustainable alliance of globally renowned and industry-driven universities through four key pillars: Academic Excellence, Research & Innovation, Student Development, and Sustainability & Governance.
The annual forum serves as a vital platform for leaders and experts to discuss and strategise on the future of higher education. Beyond the main forum, the four key pillars convene regularly to exchange ideas and drive continuous improvement, highlighting the alliance's strong focus to collaboration. With a focus on fostering a more innovative, entrepreneurial, and inclusive society, this year's forum takes a holistic approach to university-industry interaction.
GLU Chairman and Multimedia University President and Chief Executive Officer Professor Dato' Dr Mazliham officiated the forum, followed by a keynote address by Founding President of the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) His Highness Tunku Dato' Seri Zain Al-'Abidin Tuanku Muhriz. His Highness' speech explored the theme, "Rethinking Higher Education: A Path Towards Sustainable Internationalisation of Government-Linked Universities." Afterwards, His Highness also toured the UTP campus.
The event featured a dynamic panel discussion titled "Internationalisation of Universities: A Lost Cause or A Great Opportunity?" led by moderator Associate Professor Aimi Zulhazmi Abdul Rashid of UniKL. Joining the discussion were Quest International University Vice Chancellor Professor Zita Mohd Fahmi and Albukhary International University Registrar Norpisah Mat Isa.
The forum also offered two parallel sessions that further delved into critical topics. The first session, "Sustaining a Synergistic Collaboration between the Industry and GLUs," featured Microsoft ASEAN Regional Director of Legal & Government Affairs Dr Jasmine Begum and ViTrox Corporation Berhad Non-Independent Non-Executive Director Datuk Ir Dr Ahmad Fadzil Mohamad Hani as panellists, and Ir Professor Hairul Azhar Abdul Rashid of MMU as the moderator.
The second parallel session, "Disrupting the Higher Education Curriculum," explored innovative approaches to learning with Malaysian Qualifications Agency Chief Executive Officer Dato' Professor Dr Mohammad Shatar Sabran, TAMCO Consultant and Jishan Berhad Director Ir Razali Budin as panellists and Dr Jehana Ermy Jamaludin of UNITEN as the moderator.
Also present were UNITEN Deputy Vice Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) Associate Professor Dr Abdul Aziz Mat Isa, UniKL Deputy President (Academic and Technology) Professor Dr. Kushsairy Abdul Kadir, and UTP Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Professor Ir Dr Hilmi Mukhtar.
Prof Hilmi delivered the closing remarks, marking the conclusion of a successful forum that positioned GLU universities for a sustainable and impactful future.
