TOKYO, 12 August 2026 – The University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific (UMAP) has strengthened regional higher education mobility through a two-day UMAP Capacity-Building Workshop in Tokyo, bringing together 45 participants ranging from Deputy Rectors to international office officers.
Held at J. F. Oberlin University, the workshop provided a strategic platform for higher education leaders and internationalisation practitioners to exchange experiences, strengthen operational capabilities and explore practical approaches to managing mobility and partnerships amid an increasingly complex global environment.
The UKM delegation comprised Assoc. Prof. Dr. Akmal Sabarudin, UMAP Deputy Secretary General; Mr. Nur Haiqal Rawlins Una Abdullah, Director of UMAP International Secretariat @ UKM; and Dr. Hajah Ina Md Yasin from GOVERNAN UKM.
According to Prof. Dr. Akmal, the workshop explored leadership, decision-making, international office operations, partnerships and digital mobility management.
“The workshop underscored the increasingly strategic role of international offices in driving institutional global engagement and developing sustainable partnerships.
“Through initiatives such as this workshop, the UMAP International Secretariat @ UKM continues to contribute to a more connected, capable and future-ready regional mobility ecosystem across Asia and the Pacific,” he said.
President of Kanda University of International Studies, Prof. Dr. Shingo Ashizawa, highlighted UMAP’s 35-year legacy in fostering student mobility, collaboration and mutual support across the region, while emphasising the importance of ensuring diverse voices remain reflected in the organisation’s future development.
“With 35 years of experience, UMAP has built a strong network grounded in student mobility, collaboration and mutual support.
“As we look ahead, we must continue strengthening UMAP while ensuring that the diverse voices of our countries, regions and universities are reflected in its activities and decision-making,” he said.
