SABAH, 31 October 2025 – The DX 2025: Global Conference on Digital Transformation in Higher Education gathered education leaders, researchers, and innovators from Southeast Asia and Europe at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) to explore transformative strategies shaping the future of higher education in the digital era.
Organized under the theme “Redefining Possibilities in the Digital Transformation Era,” the event marked the final milestone of the “Accelerating Digital Transformation for Higher Education Institutions in Southeast Asia (DX.sea)” project, a Capacity Building for Higher Education initiative co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.
The DX.sea Project, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zaleha Abdullah from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), brings together 11 institutions from 8 countries — Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Estonia, Latvia (Riga), Portugal (Lisbon), and the Czech Republic, to strengthen digital competencies and enhance teaching and learning innovation across Southeast Asian higher education institutions.
“Digital transformation is not just about technology, it is also about leadership, and pedagogy,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zaleha Abdullah, DX.sea Project Lead, “Through this project, we have built a regional ecosystem of collaboration and innovation that continues to empower educators and institutions.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zaleha Abdullah delivering the welcoming remarks
The conference featured keynote addresses, parallel presentations, and networking sessions that delved into emerging technologies, digital inclusivity, ethical challenges, and pedagogical innovations. A special networking session with the EuroAsia Digital Learning Network (EDLAN) further strengthened international collaborations for future initiatives.
“Hosting DX 2025 in Sabah reflects our commitment to positioning Malaysia as a regional hub for digital education and innovation,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wardatul Akmam Din, Conference Chair, and one of the DXSea partners from Universiti Malaysia Sabah. “This gathering celebrates not only achievements, but also a shared vision for the future of higher education.”
The final DX.sea Board Meeting concluded on 31 October 2025, where partners presented their final work package reports and sustainability strategies. Delegates departed Sabah on 1 November 2025, marking the successful completion of the DX.sea project and paving the way for continued collaboration through EDLAN and beyond.
For more information, visit dxsea.co.
Source: UTM NewsHub
