UPM Drives Strategic Global Impact at ASEAN+3 IRO Meeting 2026

Singapore, 16–17 April 2026 – Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), through the PUTRA International Centre (i-PUTRA), demonstrated strong leadership in advancing global higher education collaboration at the 13th ASEAN+3 Heads of International Relations (IRO+3) Meeting 2026, held at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore.

Led by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic & International), Prof. Ir. Dr. Abd Rahim Abu Talib, the UPM delegation played an active role in high-level engagements centred on the theme “Leading Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the Age of AI towards Strategic Partnership.”

UPM’s participation translated into tangible and high-impact outcomes, with the university successfully conducting seven (7) strategic bilateral engagements with leading institutions, namely Kyoto University, De La Salle University, Kanazawa University, Royal University of Law and Economics, Guizhou University, Kyung Hee University, and Institut Teknologi Bandung.

A key milestone was the on-the-spot formalisation of collaboration through the signing of Letters of Intent (LoI) with Kyung Hee University, South Korea and Kanazawa University, Japan. Further reinforcing UPM’s strong international presence, the Royal University of Law and Economics, Cambodia, has also expressed its commitment to proceed with an LoI following the engagement.

These achievements reflect UPM’s proactive and results-driven approach to internationalisation, where strategic engagements are translated into concrete partnerships, mobility opportunities, and collaborative platforms. UPM remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthening global networks, fostering impactful international collaborations, and positioning itself as a key regional leader in shaping future-ready higher education—particularly in navigating the evolving landscape of AI, sustainability, and global talent development.

Date of Input: 28/04/2026 | Updated: 28/04/2026 | sofiah