PARTNERS EVENT · MALAYSIA 2026
WUACD Executive Board Meeting 2026
Empowering Humanity Through Global Sustainable Partnerships
13–17 October 2026 | Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Hosted by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
A SHARED PURPOSE
Connect. Exchange.
Build partnerships.
Welcome to Johor Bahru for the WUACD Executive Board Meeting 2026.
Hosted by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, the programme brings together ASEAN and international WUACD members for board discussions, networking and community engagement.
What is the Executive Board Meeting?
An Executive Board Meeting is a forum for an organisation’s board members to discuss shared priorities and organisational matters. The WUACD 2026 programme combines its board meeting with key addresses, member sharing and networking. Community and campus visits extend the exchange beyond the meeting room.
13–17 OCTOBER 2026
Programme & delegate departure
Four programme days, followed by planned departure.
All times are Malaysia time (UTC+8). Programme is tentative. Detailed itineraries are used where they differ from the overview.
13 OCTOBER 2026
Selamat Datang!
Arrive in Johor Bahru, settle in and get ready for the week ahead.
Airport pickup window
Shuttle pickup for delegates arriving within this window. Outside these hours, please arrange your own transport to the hotel.
3:00–6:00 pm
Arrival, registration & hotel check-in
Pulai Springs Resort. Meet the reception team and complete your registration.
14 OCTOBER 2026
Executive Board Meeting
Opening sessions, board discussions and a welcoming dinner. Registration at Pulai Springs Resort is listed as 8:00–8:30 pm in the handbook, despite appearing before the morning sessions. Please confirm the registration time with the secretariat.
Opening remarks & morning receptions
Opening sessions at Pulai Springs Resort.
QS Ranking Talk & key addresses
Sharing on QS Ranking at UTM, followed by key addresses by distinguished professors at Pulai Springs Resort.
Networking lunch, board meeting & sharing sessions
Networking lunch followed by the WUACD Board Meeting 2026 at the Faculty of Computing, with sharing sessions.
Welcoming dinner
Melor House by Nurul Restaurant. Long-sleeved batik is encouraged.
17 OCTOBER 2026
Community & culture
Community engagement at Kampung Sungai Melayu and a Johor Bahru city tour. Dinner is not provided. Outdoor activities are subject to the secretariat’s air-quality guidance.
Gathering at Pulai Springs
Assemble at the main lobby / entrance. Delegates staying at other hotels must arrange their own transport to Pulai Springs Resort. The bus departs at 9:00 am.
9:00–10:00 am
Bus journey to Kampung Sungai Melayu
Depart from Pulai Springs. Estimated travel time: 30–45 minutes.
Arrival & registration
Welcome reception and proceed to the briefing area.
Village & safety briefing
Briefing by Datuk Pandak Ahmad (MLA Iskandar Puteri).
Boat exploration
Return to the jetty
Freshen up and move to the restaurant.
Lunch at Restoran Asam Pedas Sri Pantai
Johor Asam Pedas and fresh seafood.
Photo stop at Istana Bukit Serene
Visit the iconic giant crown archway and royal palace grounds.
Johor Bahru city tour & Johor Premium Outlets
City tour including Johor Premium Outlets (JPO). Dinner is not provided.
16 OCTOBER 2026
Explore the UTM campus
Campus visits, farewell lunch and the Innovation & Commercialisation Centre. Times follow the detailed campus itinerary. Breakfast overlaps with gathering; please coordinate with the secretariat.
Breakfast at the hotel
Please coordinate with the 8:45 am gathering time.
Gathering at Pulai Springs
Assemble at the main lobby / entrance for attendance check and boarding.
Kelah Project Site
Visit the Kelah Project Site at UTM Orchard (Dusun UTM).
Stingless Bee Project Site
Visit the Stingless Bee (Madu Kelulut) Project Site. Refreshments included in the itinerary.
UTM campus tour
Sightseeing drive around campus.
Networking farewell lunch
Connect with fellow delegates at the farewell lunch.
UTM Innovation & Commercialisation Centre (ICC)
Final networking and departure preparations. Delegate departure takes place on 17 October.
17 OCTOBER 2026
Delegate departure
Delegate departure is on 17 October 2026. Thank you for joining us, and have a safe journey home.
Hotel check-out
Delegates check out according to their individual travel schedules. Please confirm your check-out time with the hotel and secretariat.
Airport transfer & departure
Coordinate flight details and airport transfer arrangements with the secretariat. Transfer times for 17 October are to be confirmed.
BEYOND THE MEETING ROOM
Discover Johor together
Meet local communities.
Explore living projects.
Kampung Sungai Melayu
Explore the mangroves by boat, discover a mussel farm and watch a crab-catching demonstration. A closer look at local livelihoods and ecotourism.
UTM community projects
A taste of Johor
A taste of Johor
MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME
Pulai Springs Resort
The official host hotel and the venue for selected WUACD proceedings. Approximately 5 km (10 minutes by car) from the UTM Johor Bahru campus.
Handbook rate: RM 220 per night
Deluxe Suite and 1 Bedroom Suite. Confirm availability and the applicable rate with the hotel or secretariat.
81110 Skudai / Pulai, Johor, Malaysia
FROM THE DELEGATION HANDBOOK
Before you travel
Accommodation, local transport and practical information for your visit.
Entry documents and MDAC
The handbook’s checklist includes a passport with at least six months’ validity, your MDAC confirmation where applicable, and a confirmed return ticket. Check visa requirements and MDAC applicability for your nationality and travel status with Malaysian Immigration before departure.
Getting around with Grab
Set up your account and mobile data before arrival. Select Pulai Springs Resort (lobby / main entrance) or the specific UTM venue as your destination, then choose your car option and check the vehicle details before boarding.
The handbook estimates MYR 8–20 for rides within Skudai / Pulai, depending on distance and demand. Allow 30–45 minutes before the meeting, especially during the 7:30–9:00 am peak period. Fares and travel times vary.
Local food and drinking water
Look out for Laksa Johor, Kacang Pool and Mee Rebus Johor. For drinking water, use bottled or filtered water. Check dietary requirements with the restaurant or organising team.
Alternative hotels
The handbook lists Hotel Austin Paradise (Taman Pulai Utama), Ir Inn Hotel / I Harmony Hotel, and GoodHope Hotel Skudai as budget or boutique options. Mid-range and business options include Impiana Hotel Senai and Hyatt Place Johor Bahru (Paradigm Mall).
Self-booking delegates must arrange their own daily transport; official shuttles do not collect from these hotels.
Currency, weather and electricity
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Carry some cash for smaller stalls. The handbook describes hot, humid weather around 28–33°C, with possible afternoon rain. Bring an umbrella or light poncho.
Power: Type G plugs, 230V, 50Hz. The handbook lists 999 for police, ambulance or fire emergencies.
Cultural etiquette
Wear modest clothing for community and religious-site visits, covering shoulders and knees. Follow local cues about removing shoes before entering homes and religious spaces. Use your right hand for greetings and passing items, and let others take the lead on physical greetings.
DELEGATION HANDBOOK UPDATE
Air quality & delegate guidance
Follow the secretariat’s latest guidance before outdoor activities.
The updated handbook includes an air-quality caution and states that the secretariat is monitoring IPU levels. Outdoor itineraries may be relocated or adjusted. This handbook advisory is not a live air-quality reading.
Outdoor precautions in the handbook
The organisers advise N95 or KN95 respirators for outdoor movement and regular hydration. Face masks are also encouraged in the Day 1–4 attire recommendations.
Masks & secretariat assistance
For complimentary masks, medical assistance or breathing discomfort, contact Mrs. Sohailah at the UTM Secretariat Desk: +60 17-319 5605.
PACK FOR THE PROGRAMME
What to wear
DAY 1 · 13 Oct
Travel & Arrival
Smart Casual
Comfortable attire for flights, airport transit, registration and hotel check-in at Pulai Springs Resort.
Recommendations
- Polo shirts, knitwear or casual shirts
- Chinos, slacks or comfortable trousers
- Walking shoes or loafers
- Face masks are encouraged
DAY 2 · 14 Oct
Board Meeting & Dinner
Formal / Business Attire
Professional wear for keynotes, executive discussions and the Welcoming Dinner at Melor House by Nurul Restaurant.
Recommendations
- Lounge suit or blazer with tie
- Office wear or traditional formal dress
- Long-sleeved batik shirt, highly encouraged for dinner
- Face masks are encouraged
DAY 3 · 15 Oct
Ecotourism & City Tour
Outdoor / Casual Wear
Light, breathable clothes for mangrove boat cruises, outdoor walking and shopping at Johor Premium Outlets.
Recommendations
- Light T-shirts, polo shirts or breathable tops
- Jeans, cargo pants or activewear slacks
- Sports shoes with good grip
- Hat, sunglasses and umbrella or raincoat
- Face masks are encouraged
DAY 4 · 16 Oct
Eco-Campus Tour
Casual / Walking Friendly
Comfortable clothing for visiting the Kelah Project Site, Stingless Bee Project Site and exploring the UTM campus.
Recommendations
- Cotton shirts or breathable polo tops
- Comfortable trousers or dark jeans
- Walking or athletic shoes
- Sun protection, including sunscreen and a cap
- Face masks are encouraged
DAY 5 · 17 Oct
Delegate Departure
Smart Casual / Travel Friendly
Comfortable attire for hotel check-out, airport transfers and the journey home.
Recommendations
- Polo shirts, knitwear or casual shirts
- Chinos, slacks or comfortable trousers
- Walking shoes or loafers
- Face masks are encouraged
YOUR DELEGATE RESOURCES
Everything in one place
Updated to the latest delegation handbook received on 8 October 2026.
Departure is on 17 October 2026. The latest handbook still lists an airport shuttle on 16 October; delegate departure on this page is updated to 17 October. Airport transfer times will be confirmed by the secretariat.
HERE TO HELP
Contact the secretariat
Questions about your visit?
Get in touch with the event team.
Arrival & registration
| Mrs. Sohailah |
|
| Mrs. Noor Hayati |
|
Community programme
| Mr. Md. Yani | |
|
Mr. Muhammad Hanafi |
|