By Amirul Salam Hasan, Corporate Communications Office

Recognition of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT)’s academic expertise continues to grow outside of the institution when two of its lecturers were recently invited by leading Indonesian universities for a series of academic engagements.

Associate Professor Dr. Nor Fatimah Che Sulaiman and Dr. Siti Nurain Muhmad were invited by Universitas Negeri Malang and Universitas Trunojoyo Madura to deliver guest lectures and discuss institutional collaboration programmes. 

Attached to the Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Development (FPEPS), Dr. Nor Fatimah specializes in macroeconomics, economic development, economic growth, poverty, and sustainability-related development issues, while Dr. Siti Nurain focuses on banking, finance, sustainable finance, corporate governance, ESG (environmental, social, governance) issues, and sustainability performance. 

At the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Negeri Malang, the UMT delegation shared their expertise and perspectives on contemporary developments in economics, finance, sustainability, and social development. The session attracted active participation from students and academic staff, creating a vibrant atmosphere for intellectual exchange and professional discourse.

Through the session, participants gained exposure to emerging industry trends, innovative teaching approaches, and current research developments relevant to today’s rapidly evolving economic and educational landscape. The programme also encouraged greater academic interaction between Malaysian and Indonesian scholars, further strengthening mutual understanding and regional cooperation.

At the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Trunojoyo Madura, several high-level discussions were conducted to explore opportunities for long-term collaboration between the institutions. Among the key areas discussed were curriculum enhancement initiatives, lecturer expertise exchange programmes, collaborative research projects, joint academic publications, and mobility opportunities for students and academic staff. Both institutions also explored potential collaborations aimed at strengthening organisational development and improving academic competitiveness at the international level.

Dr. Siti Nurain described the collaboration as an important milestone in strengthening academic diplomacy between Malaysia and Indonesia. 

“Collaborations such as these not only strengthen institutional relationships but also provide a valuable platform for sharing expertise, enhancing research capabilities, and developing future-ready graduates equipped with international perspectives,” she said.

Meanwhile, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Trunojoyo Madura, Sutikno, described the collaboration as a valuable contribution to the university’s academic development agenda.

He said the expertise and international exposure brought by the UMT lecturers would support efforts to strengthen academic systems, curriculum quality, and institutional management practices.

Dr. Nor Fatimah said the initiative aligns with UMT’s aspiration to continue enhancing academic excellence, expanding strategic global collaborations, and positioning itself as a leading regional institution actively contributing to higher education development and knowledge exchange across Southeast Asia.