SERDANG, 10 December 2025 — Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) solidified its commitment to international academic collaboration by participating as a founding member in the inaugural conference of the Canal-city University Cooperation Mechanism (CUCM). Held on 7-10 December 2025 at the Yangzhou Guest House Canal Sanwan Hotel in Yangzhou, China, the conference saw Prof. Dr. Wong Mui Yun, Deputy Director of the Institute of Plantation Studies (IKP), representing UPM's Vice Chancellor, join delegates from 23 universities across 10 countries. The establishment of CUCM, initiated under the guiding principles of “Extensive Consultation, Joint Contribution, and Shared Benefits,” aims to foster robust multilateral cooperation across various critical domains. CUCM is designed as a non-governmental, non-profit consortium, voluntarily established by leading universities located in canal cities around the globe. Its core mission is to strengthen collaboration in talent cultivation, academic excellence development, research innovation, technology transfer, cultural exchange, heritage preservation, and impactful social initiatives. This collective effort seeks to empower member institutions to collaboratively address pressing global challenges. The inaugural conference, co-organised by Nanjing University and Yangzhou University, both are prominent institution in China, convened under the theme, “AI Bridging Eras, Sailing Together: Educational Innovation and Civilizational Dialogue among Global Canal Cities,” featuring keynote dialogues on AI-driven educational transformation and sustainable civilisational development, alongside dedicated partnership facilitation sessions.

Key activities during the conference marked significant milestones for the newly formed mechanism. These included the official unveiling of the CUCM Logo, followed by the launch of both the CUCM Website and its dedicated WeChat Official Account, signifying a strong commitment to digital connectivity and outreach among its members. A pivotal moment was the election of the CUCM Rotating Chair Institution, which saw Nanjing University elected as the first rotating chair, tasked with steering the mechanism's initial year of operation. Furthermore, the conference provided a platform for the presentation of the CUCM Work Plan for the upcoming year, outlining strategic objectives and collaborative projects. UPM's involvement in CUCM underscores its dedication to advancing global education and research through strategic international partnerships. By participating in this consortium, UPM contributes to a vibrant network poised to make substantial advancements in academic and research fields, while also promoting cross-cultural understanding and heritage appreciation. The mechanism provides a framework for member universities to leverage their collective strengths, fostering innovation and cultivating future leaders equipped to navigate and contribute to an increasingly interconnected world. The collaborative spirit embodied by CUCM is expected to yield lasting benefits for all participating institutions and the broader global community.

Date of Input: 18/12/2025 | Updated: 18/12/2025 | ainzubaidah