Nik Aloesnita NIK MOHD ALWI

Abstract Transnational education is becoming an increasingly important way for universities to expand global learning opportunities and deepen international collaboration. Beyond traditional student mobility, many institutions are now exploring new forms of partnership through joint programmes, shared curriculum development, and flexible academic pathways that allow students to benefit from international learning experiences. At the same time, developing transnational education initiatives is not always straightforward. Universities often face challenges in building partnerships that go beyond formal agreements, aligning academic structures across institutions, and designing programmes that genuinely add value to the student experience. This pre-conference workshop will bring together universities from Asia and Europe to share experiences and reflect on the evolving role of transnational education. The session will not be structured as a series of presentations. Instead, it will focus on open discussion and collaborative exchange, allowing participants to share their own experiences and perspectives. The workshop will draw on the experiences of Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), University of Nottingham Malaysia, TH Mannheim, Manchester Metropolitan University, and Hochschule Hannover. Through guided conversations and small group discussions, participants will explore some of the practical questions that universities face when developing cross-border education initiatives and reflect on how these challenges might be addressed in their own institutional context. Learning Objectives ● To reflect on the evolving role of transnational education in international higher education ● To exchange institutional experiences in developing international partnerships and programmes ● To explore different approaches to designing collaborative cross-border programmes ● To identify practical ideas that may help strengthen transnational education initiatives within participants’ institutions Target Audience This workshop is intended for colleagues involved in international collaboration and programme development in higher education. Participants may include international office staff, partnership managers, mobility coordinators, academic programme leaders, faculty members, and institutional leaders who are interested in developing or strengthening transnational education initiatives. The session welcomes both participants who are new to transnational education as well as those who already have experience in international programme development and would like to exchange ideas and practices with colleagues from different regions.

Abstract: Is the rapid advancement of ICT and AI improving young people’s communication skills, or is it having the opposite effect? When this question is posed to corporate HR managers, many express concern. They often observe that young employees’ interpersonal skills are weakening as everyday communication becomes mediated by technology. Just as unused physical functions decline over time, underused social and communicative abilities may also deteriorate. With the adoption of AI, this trend may accelerate. AI is a powerful tool, but also a double-edged sword. Real growth requires real practice. Just as effective physical training requires proper guidance and effort, meaningful learning requires experiences that challenge students. Education must therefore help them move beyond their virtual comfort zones and engage in situations where communication, collaboration, and human judgement are actively exercised. This session explores how educators can help the AI generation rediscover the value of authentic human interaction. Intercultural mobility programmes provide learning environments by placing students in real social and cultural contexts that require presence, empathy, negotiation, critical thinking, and adaptability. Experts from Japan and Malaysia will share approaches to designing mobility experiences that use AI supportively while ensuring that genuine interaction remains central to developing communication and intercultural competence. Learning objectives: Examine case studies of mobility programmes involving Japanese, Malaysian, and other ASEAN students, and identify approaches that effectively strengthen intercultural competence through authentic cross-cultural engagement. Evaluate the benefits and limitations of using AI in educational and mobility activities, while identifying practical dos and don’ts for its responsible and balanced application. Explore ESL teaching approaches that develop logical thinking, critical thinking, interpersonal communication, and linguistic and behavioural competence as essential foundations for preparing industry-ready graduates. Generate ideas for collaborative mobility programmes that encourage AI-generation students to move beyond their virtual comfort zones and participate in meaningful real-world interactions. Build connections with other APAIE participants to support further partnerships and mobility initiatives that promote effective English communication and cultural skills. Target audience: Language instructors and international office staff interested in English learning through mobility programmes. Mobility programme coordinators seeking new international partners and collaboration opportunities.