The event began with welcoming and opening remarks by ITEA Honorary President, Prof. Dr. Ir. K.H. Mohammad Nuh, DEA, followed by a speech from Dr. Mohd Erfino Johari, Director of Industrial Linkages and Academic Internationalization of UPTM. A video highlighting women empowerment was then showcased, leading to the inauguration and speech from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sharifah Syahirah binti Sy Shiekh, Vice Chancellor of UPTM. The ceremony also featured speeches from H.E. Ms. Elvina Sousa Carvalho, Secretary of State for Equality of Timor-Leste, and Mrs. Maria Filomena Lay Guterres, General Director of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Culture of Timor-Leste.
The successful event also marked the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between various institutions. These agreements were made both offline and online, with institutions such as PLM, POLINAKTER, UNSULTRA, PKPK, and Cyber Security Malaysia collaborating with UPTM. As the main secretariat of ITEA, ICCCM proudly signed agreements with UPTM, UNSULTRA, and PKPK, further strengthening our dedication to advancing transnational education. The offline signings were witnessed by key representatives, while the online agreements allowed for broader participation, demonstrating the global scope of these partnerships.
The event featured an engaging forum titled “Empowering Women Through E-Learning: Innovative Approaches and Solutions,” with four distinguished panelists: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sharifah Syahirah binti Sy Shiekh, VC of UPTM; Dr. Hj. Shah Jahan bin Assanarkutty, Timbalan Pengarah Kanan Kluster Pembangunan Kurikulum dan Program TVET (BPLTV); Octovianus Bin Rojak, B.Acc., M.Hum, from Politeknik Ketenagakerjaan, Indonesia; and Atty. Domingo Y. Reyes, Jr., University President of PLM. Moderated by Mr. Sylivanus Godwin Silver, the forum explored the critical role of e-learning in empowering women, addressing the challenges and opportunities in expanding access to education. Panelists discussed how digital education bridges gender gaps, with Dr. Shah highlighting that 40% of TVET students are women excelling in fields like welding. The forum also emphasized the need for AI oversight and collaboration between academia, government, and industry for inclusive development.
The Women Empowerment Competition Awards Ceremony and Special Recognition for Women Empowerment Icon Awards Ceremony were highlights of the event, celebrating the remarkable achievements of our participants. ITEA proudly extended its appreciation to all involved, recognizing the outstanding contributions of the supporting units, co-host units, panels, judges, keynote speakers, and forum panelists.
Organizing a competition of this scale required unwavering commitment, extensive coordination, and collaborative efforts spanning countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Timor-Leste, Laos, the Philippines, Ethiopia, Egypt, Pakistan, the Gambia, Zambia, and more. Bringing together participants, speakers, and partners from diverse regions, ITEA dedicated significant resources and expertise from the early planning stages through to the closing ceremony. This commitment reflects ITEA’s mission to advance global transnational education by fostering international cooperation, sharing best practices, and supporting members in delivering high-quality educational programs across borders.
More event photos will be uploaded shortly—stay tuned for more highlights! 📸✨
