Strengthening Global Alumni Collaboration through FIISME 2026

The International Innovative Science and Mathematics Education Festival (FIISME 2026) marked a pivotal moment in global educational collaboration. Held on 24–25 June 2026, the festival brought together alumni institutions as strategic partners, reinforcing the Faculty of Educational Sciences and Technology’s (FEST) commitment to fostering international academic networks. By engaging distinguished alumni, FIISME 2026 highlighted the importance of shared knowledge and best practices in science and mathematics education, setting the stage for future joint initiatives in research and innovation.

The International Innovative Science and Mathematics Education Festival (FIISME 2026), held on 24–25 June 2026, successfully strengthened international collaboration by engaging alumni institutions as strategic partners in promoting excellence in science and mathematics education. This collaboration reflects the Faculty of Educational Sciences and Technology (FEST), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s commitment to sustaining meaningful relationships with its alumni while expanding international academic networks.

Two distinguished alumni institutions participated as collaborators in FIISME 2026. Universitas Negeri Makassar (Indonesia) was represented by Dr. Faruku Aliyu, an alumnus of the PhD in Chemistry Education programme at FEST, UTM. Meanwhile, Sokoto State University (Nigeria) was represented by Associate Professor Dr. Muhammad Ammar Naufal, an alumnus of the PhD in Mathematics Education programme at FEST, UTM. Their participation demonstrates the continued contribution of FEST alumni in advancing science and mathematics education at the international level.

The collaboration aimed to achieve several important objectives. Firstly, it sought to strengthen academic and professional networks between FEST and institutions led by its international alumni. Secondly, it provided opportunities for knowledge sharing and the exchange of best practices in science and mathematics education across different educational contexts. The collaboration also encouraged future joint initiatives in research, innovation, publication, and academic mobility. More importantly, it showcased the achievements of FEST alumni who continue to make significant contributions to higher education and educational development in their respective countries.

Throughout FIISME 2026, representatives from both alumni institutions actively supported the festival by participating in academic sessions, engaging with participants, and fostering discussions on innovative practices in science and mathematics education. Their involvement enriched the international dimension of the festival and created valuable opportunities for networking among educators, researchers, and students from various countries.

FIISME 2026 successfully exemplified the importance of alumni engagement as a catalyst for global collaboration, reaffirming FEST’s vision of building sustainable partnerships that promote innovation, research excellence, and internationalisation in science and mathematics education.