APU and DMU Showcase Strategic Partnership at APAIE 2025

In a landmark moment for international academic cooperation, the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), Malaysia, and De Montfort University (DMU), Leicester, UK, came together at the prestigious Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) Conference 2025 to spotlight their thriving transnational education (TNE) partnership. 

The event, held from 24th to 28th March in Delhi, India, served as a global platform for leaders in higher education to deliberate on the evolving role of academia in shaping global citizenship.

The conference, renowned for convening educators and institutions from across the globe, centred on the theme of fostering global responsibility through education. APU and DMU took centre stage with a compelling joint presentation delivered by Professor Dr Murali Raman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of APU, and Dr Manjeet Ridon, Associate Dean International (Education, Sustainability & EDI) for the Faculty of Arts, Design and Humanities at DMU.

Entitled "Fostering Global Citizenship Through Transnational Education Partnerships", the presentation underscored the tangible outcomes of international collaboration and the enduring value of shared educational missions.

In their session, Prof Murali and Dr Manjeet highlighted how the APU-DMU partnership exemplifies the best practices in TNE. From co-developed programmes to reciprocal staff and student mobility initiatives, the collaboration has been rooted in mutual respect and aligned strategic goals. 

“Our partnership is built on a foundation of shared values—chief among them being sustainability, quality assurance, and holistic development,” said Prof Murali. He elaborated on the strategic pillars that have driven the partnership forward: a shared vision for sustainability, rigorous joint academic standards, and a collaborative ecosystem encouraging cultural exchange and global engagement.

Dr Manjeet, echoing this sentiment, introduced a forward-looking initiative titled Contribution to Sustainability Leadership in India. This endeavour aims to build a collaborative consortium between DMU, APU, and Indian universities, thereby expanding the influence and reach of sustainability efforts across India, Malaysia, and the UK. 

The session sparked significant interest among conference attendees, as it reflected the growing recognition of TNE as a powerful mechanism for nurturing intercultural understanding, global awareness, and academic innovation. Both institutions demonstrated how their ongoing collaboration has produced graduates who are not only academically competent but also globally minded and socially responsible.

Adding to APU’s presence at APAIE 2025 were Mr Mohung Abdoolah Aasif, Assistant Manager and International Development Lead at Student Services; Ts Nur Zahdi Mohd Nor Aldin, Director of Quality Management; Prof Ir EUR ING Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam, Chief Innovation & Enterprise Officer; and Prof Dr Ho Chin Kuan, Vice-Chancellor. Their participation further affirmed APU’s commitment to international dialogue and the continuous enhancement of quality standards in education.

As institutions worldwide seek meaningful ways to equip students for an interconnected world, the APU-DMU partnership stands as a model of impactful academic cooperation. Through sustained engagement, co-created knowledge, and cross-cultural synergy, both universities are fostering a generation of graduates prepared to lead and collaborate on the global stage.

The collaboration's showcase at APAIE 2025 not only celebrated the achievements thus far but also reinforced the potential of global academic alliances in redefining the landscape of higher education. As the world continues to face shared challenges, partnerships such as that between APU and DMU shine a beacon on what is possible when knowledge, culture, and purpose converge.