On the 13th January 2017, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) hosted around 200 representatives of Asosiasi Perguruan Tinggi Swasta Indonesia (APTISI). The delegates were given a tour around the campus, visiting Tunku Tun Aminah Library, Sultan Ibrahim Mosque and the Anggerik Square. Upon arrival, the delegates were greeted by UTHM’s International Office team along with the former vice chancellor, Profesor Datuk Dr Mohd Noh Dalimin, who gave the welcoming speech. The Chairman of APTISI HM Dr Budi Djatmiko then gave a speech on behalf of the delegates.

The visit was part of a three-day “Indonesia-Malaysia Higher Education Networking Event” co-organized by UTHM, which includes networking programs, seminars and MoU signing ceremony in Batam, Indonesia. The MoU signing between UTHM and 174 private higher learning institutions under APTISI took place at the Grand I Hotel in Batam.

At the event, UTHM was represented by Profesor Yusri Yusof, Director of International Office and Profesor Ismail Abdul Rahman, Dean of Center for Graduate Studies for discussions with private higher learning institution from all over Indonesia and Batam community leaders. Profesor Yusri and Profesor Ismail was invited as speakers for seminar on internationalization along with HM. Dr Budi. Drs Hardi Selamat Hood, a member of the Indonesian Regional Representative Council (DPD), who is also the Honorary Fellow of UTHM International Alumni was present throughout the event and was actively involved in supporting the programs.

Also present at the event and at the MoU signing, were representatives from Institut Sains dan Teknologi Darul Takzim (INSTEDT). Throughout the event, the staffs from the Centre for Graduate Studies and the International Office were given the opportunity to promote the university and discuss collaboration opportunities with the delegates.

The delegates end their tour with a visit to the Netherlands Maritime Institute of Technology (NMIT) and surrounding areas of Edu-City Iskandar Johor. The Indonesia-Malaysia Higher Education Networking Event is seen as a momentous occasion which can only strengthen the internationalization effort at UTHM and marks a strong beginning to the year 2017.