UUM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr. Ahmad Bashawir Abdul Ghani said “A branch campus of a Japanese university may soon be built in Langkawi on land belonging to Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). He did not name the Japanese university in particular but said that it was an example of UUM's quest for a stronger international academic presence.

Prof Ahmad Bashawir said in his speech at the 32nd Convocation of the university on Saturday, October 19."An invitation for a renowned Japanese university to establish a branch campus on Langkawi will soon be realized. The proposal involves the joint development of a strategically located plot of land owned by UUM and the offer of joint academic programs,".

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir was also present at the 32nd Convocation of the university. Tan Chong Motor Holdings Bhd group chief executive officer Datuk Khor Swee Wah, was also honored with an honorary doctor of philosophy in international business.

A total of 5,757 graduates will earn their scrolls during the convocation ceremony that will last until Wednesday i.e.October 23, comprising 4,467 bachelor's degree holders and 1,290 post-graduate students, altogether.

Some 556 of the graduates come from 28 countries, with those from China being the most numerous (122), Indonesia coming in next (112), followed by Pakistan (five).