by: Anis Nazihah Mat Daud, Siti Sarah Ahmad Zubdi & Sharizan Shahrani
KUALA LUMPUR, 27 January 2026 — Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) further strengthened its international education collaboration agenda through a high-level strategic meeting with Finnish education leaders, focusing on future-ready education, teacher development, and child wellbeing.
The meeting, held at the Hilton Kuala Lumpur, brought together representatives from FinCEED — the Finnish Centre of Expertise in Education and Development — led by Ms Martina, Project Manager at FinCEED, together with Ambassador for Education Ms Outi Hakanen. The meeting was held with the endorsement and support of UPSI top management, led by Professor Dr. Suriani binti Abu Bakar, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), reflecting the university’s strong commitment to strengthening international education collaboration.
The discussion focused on potential strategic collaboration between Malaysia and Finland in strengthening the future education ecosystem, particularly through joint research initiatives in education and teacher education, academic and professional mobility including teaching exchange program, the enhancement of pre-service teacher education through innovative practicum models and teacher preparation, as well as in-service teacher professional development and continuous upskilling.
Representing UPSI were Professor Dr. Wong Kung-Teck (Thomas), Deputy Director (Educational Technology & Industry Network) of the Neoteric Education Initiatives Centre (NiCE); Associate Professor Dr. Mazlina Che Mustafa, Director of the National Child Development Research Centre (NCDRC); and Dr. Anis Nazihah Mat Daud, Deputy Director (Research & Innovation) of NiCE. The delegation was also supported by UPSI administrative officers Mdm Siti Sarah Ahmad Zubdi and Mdm Sharizan Shahrani, who attended the meeting.
Associate Professor Dr. Mazlina noted that UPSI, through NCDRC, is well-positioned to serve as a strategic partner for Finland, deepening collaboration by serving as a regional hub for research, innovation, and capacity building in early childhood education and child well-being.
As a gesture of appreciation and goodwill, Professor Dr. Wong Kung-Teck presented a souvenir to Ambassador Ms Outi Hakanen, symbolizing the strengthening of bilateral relations and UPSI’s commitment to fostering meaningful and sustainable education partnerships with Finland.
The meeting concluded with a common understanding to further explore avenues for collaboration in education.