By: Nur Syamila Kamarul Arefin
PUTRAJAYA, 19 December – Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) continues to strengthen its internationalisation agenda with the hosting of the UPM–ASEAN Cultural Nexus 2025: A Celebration of Excellence Gala Dinner, held recently at The Everly Hotel.
Organised by UPM’s International Centre (i-PUTRA), the gala dinner served as a strategic platform to recognise the contributions of university members and key stakeholders who have played an important role in enhancing UPM’s international standing, particularly through mobility programmes and ASEAN regional strategic networks.
UPM Vice-Chancellor, Dato’ Prof. Ir. Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohamad Sadullah, said the event reflected the university’s sustained commitment to building a holistic and high-impact internationalisation ecosystem.
“Internationalisation is not merely about increasing the number of international students. It also encompasses the development of strategic networks, academic collaborations and the strengthening of the university’s global reputation.
“This event symbolises our appreciation of all parties who have collectively contributed to realising these aspirations,” he said in his officiating address.
The gala dinner also featured the presentation of awards across several categories under the UPM Mobility Programme, including Inbound Mobility, Outbound Mobility and Summer Programme, as well as recognition of Responsibility Centres with the highest number of international undergraduate and postgraduate students.
In total, 12 awards were presented to recipients who demonstrated excellence in advancing the university’s Key Performance Indicators.
Meanwhile, i-PUTRA Director Prof. Dr. Alyani Ismail said the organisation of the gala dinner was aligned with efforts to strengthen regional ties through the UPM–ASEAN Cultural Nexus initiative, which emphasises cultural diversity, academic collaboration and the ASEAN community spirit.
“The active involvement of faculties, students and international strategic partners has significantly contributed to the success of UPM’s mobility programmes. These awards serve as recognition of that collective effort,” she said.
In addition to the award presentations, the event also marked the soft launch of UPM’s Global Eminence Acceleration Plan and the Putra International System (PINS), a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing the management of internationalisation in a more systematic and integrated manner.
