Welcome to the latest edition of the WTUN newsletter: featuring a roundup of news, updates and events happening across the network.
It’s been a busy month at the WTUN. The assessment panel for this year’s WTUN Exchange Programme are reviewing submitted proposals and we hope to inform all applicants by the end of April. The annual WTUN Student Competition closed to entries on 9 April. 28 student teams from 10 WTUN member universities entered this year’s competition, themed ‘Responsible Science’; an increase from 20 in 2024-25.
In news from around the network; Atlantic Technological University and Southern Alberta Institute of Technology celebrated closer collaboration between the two WTUN members during a signing of a new bi-lateral MOU; Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s WTUN Operational Board Member, Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Ariffin bin Abu Hassan was elected President of the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) and University of Bradford celebrate 60 years of health breakthroughs in their ‘6 Decades’ lecture series. Read on for more.
REMINDER: If you would like to share news, updates, events or milestones via this newsletter, then please contact wtun@bradford.ac.uk.
The WTUN Student Competition is now CLOSED!
The WTUN Student Competition 2025-26 closed to entries on 9 April 2026. We received at total of 28 entries from student teams from 10 WTUN member universities. We have convened a panel of assessors and hope to announce the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners at the end of May. Watch this space!
Good luck to teams from:
Atlantic Technological University
Mindanao State University
Majan University College
National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
Southern Alberta Institute of Science and Technology
Suranaree University of Technology
Thaksin University
University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Thank you to colleagues who have volunteered to assess this years entries;
Dr Bruno Carvahlo, Dr Wipawee Usaha, Dr Melba Angni and Ms Kamilla Trubicki.
Atlantic Technological University
and
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support collaboration in education, applied research, and innovation.
Leveraging shared membership of the WTUN
“We look forward to leveraging our shared membership of the World Technology Universities Network (WTUN), which has already supported a funded mobility between SAIT and ATU, contributing to capacity building across our respective research ecosystems.” – John Joe O’Farrell, Director of International Engagement, ATU.
Speaking on the signing of the MoU, Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU, said:
“I am delighted to sign this MOU with the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology on behalf of Atlantic Technological University – Canada is a key partner for higher education institutions in Ireland, and I believe there is great potential for us to collaborate across a number of key areas, including Engineering, ICT and Business. I look forward to seeing this relationship mature and develop in the years ahead.”
Dr David Ross, President & CEO of SAIT added:
“We’re making a strategic commitment to work collaboratively with the Atlantic Technological University and explore innovative approaches to applied education and research. Entering a mutually beneficial agreement solidifies our intention to exchange information and expertise and opens the door to new opportunities with one of Ireland’s leading technical universities.”
www.atu.ie/news/atu-signs-international-partnership-with-southern-alberta-institute-of-technology
www.sait.ca/news/2026/04/sait-ireland-collaborates
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS)
SAIT’s Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS) recently met with the Ambassador of Canada to Ireland, Dennis King, and connected with the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS).
The discussion with Ambassador King focused on how applied research partnerships can create meaningful synergy between Canada and Ireland, strengthening innovation and shared priorities across both countries.
ARIS also spent time at TUS, building on SAIT’s existing collaborative agreement, exploring research partnerships, and identifying new areas of mutual interest. These international partnerships open pathways for deeper collaboration and knowledge exchange, connecting partners to global expertise and supporting solutions that scale across borders. ARIS remains committed to strengthening the innovation ecosystem by building connections globally.
Please reach out to the ARIS Director, Jamie McInnis, Jamie.McInnis@sait.ca to learn more about ARIS and/or discuss any partnership opportunities.
From Proof to Possibility: How EmergEX Expands Student Learning
In the School for Advanced Digital Technology, student success is built through both mastery and exploration. Now in its fifth execution, EmergEX—held on April 19 and delivered through the Emerging Technologies course within the Software Development Diploma—continues to push students beyond the curriculum and into experimentation, discovery, and the “unknown unknowns.” While capstone experiences demonstrate students’ ability to integrate and apply learning to real-world challenges, EmergEX expands that foundation by fostering curiosity and adaptability. Guided by instructor Iles Wade, with leadership from Academic Chair Ali Moussa, this initiative reflects a strong commitment to innovation in teaching and learning. The result: graduates prepared to meet the evolving needs of industry.
From Ideas to Impact: FutureTech Fuels SAIT’s Next Wave of Student Ventures
FutureTech is a new, exciting opportunity at the School for Advanced Digital Technology, where students transform bold ideas into emerging ventures. Backed by a $1M commitment from donor David Bissett—providing non-dilutive funding over the next 5 years to accelerate the next big tech idea—the competition has advanced to a Top 20 cohort, with the Top 10 moving on to a Dragon’s Den–style event on June 4, 2026. There, a panel of Alberta’s leading tech entrepreneurs will evaluate pitches on stage and award funding to the most promising ventures. Supported by faculty expertise and strong industry collaboration, FutureTech reflects SAIT’s commitment to student success, applied innovation, and real-world impact.
University of Bradford
From Lab to Life: 60 Years of Health Breakthroughs
Have you ever wondered how scientific research shapes the way we see, heal and stay healthy?
In this lively public lecture, we’ll explore how over the last 60 years the University of Bradford has delivered research that improves our health and wellbeing including how we understand vision, support healing after injury, help people use medicines safely, and enable faster diagnosis of infections.
During the conversation, we will learn how these discoveries impact our everyday lives, why they matter for public health locally and globally, and ask you what future healthcare opportunities and challenges you think the University’s research could focus on.
📅 Wednesday 13 May | 18:00–19:30 BST
📍 Hybrid: University of Bradford + Online
🔗 Book your place: www.bradford.ac.uk/events/whats-on/6-decade-lecture-from-lab-to-life/
Programme (all times BST/GMT+1)
17:15–18:00: Registration
18:00–18:05: Welcome with Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nick Braisby
18:05-18:50: Panel Discussion
18:50-19:25: Audience Q&A
19:25-19:30: Closing remarks with Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Braisby
The 6 Decades lecture series
As part of our 60th Anniversary celebrations, the 6 Decades lecture series brings together leading experts to share insights into the pioneering research and distinctive strengths that have shaped the institution over the past six decades.
Across six engaging talks delivered in a hybrid format, audiences will hear directly from specialists at the forefront of their fields, exploring how ideas, discoveries and collaborations have evolved to address real-world challenges locally and globally.
The series offers an opportunity to celebrate the University’s rich legacy, connect with new and existing audiences, and take pride in the transformative impact of research that is started in Bradford.
Universiti of Teknologi Malaysia
Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Ariffin bin Abu Hassan elected President of the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education as APAIE returns to Malaysia for 2027
The World Technology Universities Network extends sincere congratulations to Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Ariffin bin Abu Hassan, Director of UTM International at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Malaysia on his appointment as President of the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) for the term March 2026 – February 2028.
Welcome from the President of APAIE
On behalf of APAIE, it is my great pleasure to warmly invite you to join us for the APAIE 2027 Conference and Exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, taking place over 21–25 March 2027.
Malaysia previously hosted APAIE in 2019 with great success, and we are delighted to return at a time when there is strong global interest in Malaysia and its role in international higher education. You will be warmly welcomed by the entire hosting team, led by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, along with six co-hosting universities and the broader Malaysian higher education community.
APAIE continues to grow, with our largest conference taking place in 2026. We look forward to bringing together more than 3,300 delegates from over 70 countries/regions to APAIE 2027. This growth reflects not only the increasing significance of the Asia-Pacific region in global higher education, but also the enduring value of coming together in person to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and strengthen our shared sense of purpose…Our 2027 theme, Humanity in the AI Age: Engaging Asia-Pacific Perspectives, reminds us that while artificial intelligence is reshaping our world, our humanity remains at the heart of how we learn, teach, and collaborate. It invites us to reflect thoughtfully on the future of international education through the rich and diverse perspectives of our region…I am particularly excited to welcome you all to my home country, and I hope you will extend your stay to experience the warmth, culture, and vibrancy of Malaysia.
Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Ariffin bin Abu Hassan, Director of UTM International at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), WTUN Operational Board Member and President of APAIE.
Welcome Message from the Vice-Chancellor
It is both an honour and a privilege for Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) to welcome the global higher education community to APAIE 2027 in Kuala Lumpur…Our aspiration is to elevate this platform further—to deepen global partnerships, broaden inclusive engagement, and catalyse meaningful collaborations that will shape the future of higher education in the region and beyond.
…As Malaysia celebrates 70 years of independence in 2027, APAIE presents a timely opportunity to reflect on our journey as a nation and our growing role in shaping the future of global higher education.
At UTM, we are proud to be ranked among the top 10% of universities worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2026, with globally recognised excellence in Engineering, Technology, and the Built Environment. Guided by our ASCEND 2030 Strategic Plan, we continue to advance Artificial Intelligence as a strategic priority, driven by our commitment to innovating sustainable solutions that create meaningful impact for society, while remaining anchored in values that uphold humanity, ethics, and responsibility, as we recognise that the future of higher education depends not only on innovation, but on collaboration across cultures and disciplines, with APAIE 2027 providing a platform for inclusive and impactful internationalisation.
In the true spirit of Malaysian hospitality, we look forward to welcoming you to Kuala Lumpur.
Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Shafry bin Mohd Rahim,
Vice-Chancellor, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and WTUN General Board Member.
The full statements from both Prof Ariffin and Prof Shafry can be viewed here
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Email: wtun@bradford.ac.uk