Crossing Borders, Building Bridges: NDMU Visits Malaysia’s Premier Educational Leadership Institute

On April 15, 2026, a delegation from Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU) made its way to the Institut Aminuddin Baki (IAB) — one of Malaysia’s most distinguished institutions under the Ministry of Education — carrying with it the spirit of inquiry, the aspiration for collaboration, and the collective ambition of a university committed to world-class graduate education. What unfolded that day was more than a formal visit; it was a meeting of minds across borders.

The 24-member delegation — composed of 17 PhD Educational Management students, six faculty members, and Graduate School Dean Dr. Juvy Reyes — was coordinated by Dr. Reyes, the head of the delegation and Dr. Noemi B. Silva, the faculty member in-charge of the engagement. Their shared purpose: to foster academic collaboration, enrich their scholarly perspectives through knowledge exchange, and deepen mutual understanding between two institutions committed to educational excellence.

Upon arrival at IAB, the delegation was received with gracious hospitality by Ms. Husna Binti Yahya, Department Head of Foreign and International Collaboration, and Dr. Rozaidi Bin Abu Hassan, Senior Deputy Director of IAB, along with other directors of the institute. The reception reflected IAB’s deep regard for international engagement and its commitment to building meaningful partnerships with academic institutions across the region.

The formal program commenced with Dr. Juvy Reyes signing IAB’s distinguished guestbook — a gesture both ceremonial and symbolic, marking NDMU’s place in IAB’s growing network of international academic partners. This was followed by a welcome message from IAB’s director, setting a tone of openness, respect, and scholarly solidarity.

A corporate video presentation offered the NDMU delegates a compelling look into IAB’s institutional identity — its history, its mandate as a national hub for educational leadership development, and the breadth of its program and impact. This was followed by a response from Dr. Reyes, who conveyed NDMU’s deep appreciation for the warm reception and articulated her institution’s vision for meaningful, sustained partnership.

The highlight of the academic exchange was IAB’s institutional presentation, which provided rich insights into the institute’s programs, leadership training approaches, research thrusts, and collaborative frameworks. An open and dynamic discussion followed, allowing NDMU faculty and PhD students to engage directly with IAB officials, ask questions, and explore potential areas for future academic cooperation.

IAB’s reputation as Malaysia’s foremost center for educational leadership and management makes this visit particularly significant for NDMU’s PhD in Educational Management program. The exchange provided students and faculty alike with an invaluable opportunity to benchmark against a government-backed institution with decades of expertise in shaping educational leaders across Malaysia and the ASEAN region.

As NDMU continues to pursue its vision of becoming a globally engaged university, engagements such as this serve as vital stepping stones — not merely as institutional formalities, but as genuine encounters that inspire reflection, spark new ideas, and lay the groundwork for lasting cross-border academic relationships.