By Salleh Sulieman
BANGI, 14 August 2026- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), through its Institute of Visual Informatics (IVI), has officially launched the UKM Global Impact Challenge 2026, an international initiative that aims to empower Malaysian university students to transform innovative ideas into meaningful solutions for society.
Developed in collaboration with KJ Institute (USA) and ROTHS Investment Bank, the programme was officially unveiled during the UKM Global Impact Dialogue 2026, attended by university leaders, industry representatives, students and international guests.
Director of the Institute of Visual Informatics (IVI), Prof. Ir. Dr. Riza Sulaiman, said the initiative reflects UKM’s aspiration to foster meaningful collaborations that generate lasting benefits for society.
He added that the UKM Global Impact Challenge is a platform that encourages students to transform innovative ideas into impactful solutions that benefit communities.
“At UKM, we strongly believe that when universities, industry and passionate individuals come together, we can create solutions that make a real difference to society,” he said.
Prof. Riza added that the UKM Global Impact Challenge serves as a platform for students to transform innovative ideas into impactful solutions that address real-world issues and benefit communities.
“We hope this challenge will inspire students to become not only successful graduates, but future leaders who serve society with purpose and compassion,” he said.
He also thanked Prof. Dr. Mohammad Nazir Ahmad from IVI who led this initiative successfully.
The initiative reflects UKM’s continued commitment to nurturing future-ready graduates by connecting academic excellence with global leadership, innovation and industry collaboration.
UKM DRIVING INNOVATION BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
The UKM Global Impact Challenge encourages students to develop practical and sustainable solutions to real-world challenges across areas including healthcare, artificial intelligence, education, sustainability, community development and social innovation.
Rather than focusing solely on academic achievement Prof Riza added that the challenge provides students with an opportunity to apply knowledge through projects capable of delivering measurable impact to society.
“Through this platform, UKM hopes to cultivate a new generation of graduates who are not only academically accomplished but also equipped with leadership qualities, entrepreneurial thinking and a strong sense of social responsibility.
“The launch also marks the beginning of a strategic collaboration between UKM, KJ Institute and ROTHS Investment Bank to create greater international opportunities for Malaysian students,” he said.
As part of the initiative, ROTHS Investment Bank is sponsoring the RM2,000 UKM Global Impact Challenge Champion’s Scholarship, while outstanding participants may also be considered for the prestigious KJ Institute International Youth Leadership Award in the United States.
Representatives from all three organisations reaffirmed their shared commitment to building platforms that connect education, industry and global leadership development.