By: Ahmad Daniel Syah Ahmad Effendi
TANJONG MALIM, 18 June 2026 – The International, Mobility and Advanced Education Centre (IMAC), in collaboration with UPSI Global Buddies, organised the Meet & Greet with the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International) 2026. The programme brought together international staff, international students and university management, including representatives from the Academic and International office, faculties and IMAC management, for an evening dedicated to strengthening engagement, communication and understanding.
According to the organiser, Dr. Nor Fadila binti Kasim, who is also the Deputy Director of Mobility and International Student Development at IMAC, the programme was organised to strengthen relationships between international students, international staff and the university management while providing a platform for meaningful interaction in a welcoming and inclusive environment. “It is IMAC’s vision, together with Professor Dr. Raja Nor Safinas binti Raja Harun, to strengthen the relationship between the university leadership and our international community. More importantly, we want every international lecturer and student to feel welcomed, supported and valued throughout their journey at UPSI,” she said.
The event was attended by Professor Dr. Raja Nor Safinas binti Raja Harun, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International), Professor Madya Dr. Mohd Asri bin Mohd Noor, Director of Academic and International Affairs, Professor Dr. Ramlee bin Ismail, Director of the International, Mobility and Advanced Education Centre (IMAC), faculty deans, international lecturers, IMAC staff and international students from various countries. Their presence reflected UPSI’s continued commitment to strengthening its international community. The programme commenced with a dinner reception, providing an opportunity for international staff, students and university management to interact and strengthen professional and social connections.
Professor Dr. Ramlee bin Ismail, Director of the International, Mobility and Advanced Education Centre (IMAC), delivered the welcoming address by expressing his appreciation to the university management, faculty representatives and the organising committee for their continuous support in making the programme a success. He warmly welcomed all international lecturers and students to UPSI and thanked them for choosing UPSI as their academic destination.
Professor Madya Dr. Mohd Asri bin Mohd Noor, Director of Academic and International Affairs, also addressed the audience during the programme. In his speech, he encouraged international lecturers and students to make full use of the opportunities available throughout their time at UPSI by actively participating in academic, cultural and university activities. He highlighted that friendship, cultural exchange and collaboration play an important role in enriching students’ university experience.
The keynote address was then delivered by Professor Dr. Raja Nor Safinas binti Raja Harun, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International). She expressed her appreciation to IMAC and everyone involved in organising the programme before highlighting that one of UPSI’s greatest strengths lies in its diverse international community. She noted that students and lecturers from different countries, cultures and academic backgrounds contribute significantly to discussions and cultural exchange. She reaffirmed the university’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive and academically enriching environment where every member of the international community feels respected and valued.
One of the highlights of the evening was an interactive dialogue session between the Deputy Vice Chancellor and the international staff and students. Participants were given the opportunity to share their experiences, voice their aspirations and offer suggestions regarding student life, academic matters and internationalisation initiatives at UPSI. The session provided a valuable platform for university management to engage directly with the international community while receiving constructive feedback to further enhance the international student experience.
During the programme, Md Raysul Islam Siyam, an international student from Bangladesh, shared his experience studying at UPSI. Having previously completed his diploma at the university and now pursuing his bachelor’s degree, he said his involvement in various university programmes has helped him adapt to campus life and feel more connected to the UPSI community. “I am grateful to be part of the UPSI community. UPSI’s programmes have given me the opportunity to meet students from different countries. Participating in university programmes has helped me build friendships and made UPSI feel like my second home,” he said.
The programme concluded with an exciting lucky draw session, where ten international students and lecturers received prizes. The evening ended with singing performances once again by international students from Bangladesh, Indonesia and China, showcasing the talents and cultural diversity of the international community at UPSI. The performances created a vibrant atmosphere while promoting cultural appreciation, friendship and unity among participants.
Overall, the Meet & Greet with the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International) successfully strengthened communication between the university management and the international community. The programme reflected UPSI’s continued commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive and internationally connected learning environment where international staff and students are encouraged to thrive academically, professionally and personally.