28 th – 29 th OCTOBER 2026
Universiti teknologi malaysia, johor bahru
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About NALI
Organized annually by UTM CDex, the New Academia Learning Innovation (NALI) events from 2018 to 2025 drive digital transformation in higher education. Evolving from blended learning frameworks to advanced artificial intelligence integration, NALI features expert keynotes, interactive knowledge-sharing workshops, and high-impact innovation competitions.
In NALI, educators and innovators showcase creative methodologies to be recognized through prestigious medals and awards. Recent editions heavily prioritize generative AI, alternative assessment ethics, and Open and Distance Learning (ODL). Ultimately, the NALI framework fosters an adaptive, globally competitive academic ecosystem, empowering modern educators to reshape traditional teaching philosophies through strategic, cutting-edge technological integration.
Click Play to watch the promo video
NALI2026 Committee
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Patron |
Prof. Ts. Dr. Intan Zaurah Binti Mat Darus |
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Advisors |
Prof. Madya Dr. Nurbiha Binti A. Shukor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Sukri Bin Saud |
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Chairman |
Prof. Madya Ts. Dr. Azizul Azri Bin Mustaffa |
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Co-Chairman |
Prof. Dr. Haslinda Binti Mohamed Kamar |
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Secretary |
Pn. Noraini Binti Khalid |
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Treasurer |
Pn. Nurul Aini Binti A. Ghaffar |
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Invitations |
En. Ahmad Najahalhayyi Bin Zulkifli (Head) Dr. Nurul Syakima binti Mohd Yusoff Pn. Nor Syafiqka Amirah Binti Othman |
Promotion |
En. Zul Azri Bin A. Rahman (Head) En. Raja Muhammad Fariz Bin Raja Rohaizat Shah Pn. Nurhidayah Reman En. Muhamad ‘Isyq ‘Irfan Fani Bin Rajab |
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Judging and |
PM Dr. Mohd Nihra Haruzuan Bin Mohamad Said (Head) Ts. Dr. Johanna Binti Ahmad Dr. Azlin Binti Abd. Jamil Pn. Nurul Nazihah binti Ismail Pn. Fatin Nabila binti Mohd Sharif |
Publication |
Dr. Logaiswari Indiran (Head) Dr. Yogeeswari Subramaniam Dr. Umar Haiyat Bin Abdul Kohar Dr. Nor Emmy Shuhada Binti Derani PM Dr. Shathees Baskaran Dr. Noraindah Binti Abdullah Fahim |
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Speakers and |
Sr. Gs. Dr. Mohammad Zakri Bin Tarmidi (Head) Cik Haslinda Binti Daud Pn. Mariyana Binti Zainal |
Logistics |
Pn. Noor Yusnaini Binti Yusoff (Head) En. Faizal bin Buang En. Halimi Bin Ismail |
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Innovation |
Dr. Noraini Binti Ibrahim (Head) Cik Priscilla Prapagara Cik Azirah Binti Ahsan |
Systems and |
En. Mohamed Fairuz Bin Dahalan (Head) En. Radzuan Bin Mohd Nor |
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Sponsorship |
Pn. Nurliza Binti Abd Rahman (Head) Pn. Suziliyana Binti Pungut |
Certificates, |
Pn. Nur Aidatul Faezah Binti Abdul Rahim (Head) Pn. Balqis Binti Hashim En. Mohd Rizal Bin Haji Mahadi Pn. Norizzathul Farhana Binti Abd Rahman |
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Technical and Equipment |
En Mohd Harith Fadzillah Bin Rasid (Head) En. Halizan Hashim
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En. Mohd Gaffar Bin Said En. Mohamad Nizam Bin Ahmad |
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This year the theme is
Human-AI Synergy in Pedagogy
NALI Workshop
NALI Award
Forum & Keynote Session
NALI Educator Award
(UTM staff only – by invitation)
Innovation Competition & Exhibition
Why Join NALI 2026?
Master Human-AI Synergy:
Future-Proof Assessments:
Discover how to design alternative assessments that evaluate genuine student competency rather than AI-assisted memorization.
Rapid Professional Upskilling:
Gain immediate, practical skills in generative AI and adaptive course design through hands-on knowledge-sharing workshops.
Network with EdTech Leaders:
Connect with a vibrant community of national educators, researchers, and tech pioneers to spark future collaborations.
Validate Your Innovations:
Showcase your teaching frameworks or edtech tools at the Innovation Competition to win prestigious Gold, Silver, or Bronze medals.
Earn Elite Recognition:
Boost your academic profile and gain institutional prestige through the high-profile Best of the Best Award.
Revealing Soon!
To Be Announced
Forum & Keynote Sessions
Prepare to be inspired by world-class perspectives that will challenge, empower, and reshape your future teaching philosophies. Our official speaker line-up and high-impact topics are currently being finalized and will be unveiled very soon.
Stay connected and don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this transformation!
The Visionaries Are Coming !
Behind the scenes, we are curating a stellar roster of global visionaries, leading AI technologists, and renowned educational trailblazers. While we keep these prestigious names under wraps for just a little longer, rest assured that the upcoming reveal will feature industry titans guaranteed to spark a true paradigm shift in your academic journey. Keep your eyes peeled—the grand reveal will be absolutely worth the wait!”
Revealing Soon!
To Be Announced
28 OCTOBER 2026
8.30 am
9.00 am
10.00 am
11.00 am
12.30 pm
2.00 pm
4.30 pm
Registration
Arrival of Honourable Guests
Officiating Speech
Montage Presentation
Visit to Exhibition Booths
Forum / Keynote Session 1
Workshop 1
Rest
Innovation Competition Judging
NALI 2026 Adjourned
day 02
29 OCTOBER 2026
Activity
9.00 am
9.30 am
10.30 am
11.30 am
2.30 pm
4.30 pm
Forum / Keynote Session 2
Workshop 2
Rest
Closing Ceremony
Announcement of Winners
NALI 2026 Closed
Revealing Soon!
To Be Announced
NALI Workshop
Ready to master the future of education? Join the NALI 2026 Workshops to explore Human-AI Synergy in Pedagogy. Gain practical, hands-on skills with generative AI tools, design adaptive course materials, and transform your classroom strategies.
Don’t miss this prime opportunity to upskill. Secure your seat today!
Guided by Elite Innovators
To deliver this transformative experience, we are assembling a powerhouse team of elite educational innovators and top-tier AI practitioners. The official roster of these distinguished facilitators is being finalized and will be unveiled very soon. Anticipate an exclusive lineup of experts who will bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and real-world teaching. Stay tuned for the big reveal!”
Revealing Soon!
To Be Announced
Innovation Competition & Exhibition
Guideline Videos
Event Overview
The NALI 2026 Innovation Competition and Exhibition provides a platform for educators, researchers, students, industry practitioners and educational innovators to showcase impactful innovations in teaching, learning and assessment.
Aligned with the NALI 2026 overarching theme, “Human-AI Synergy in Pedagogy” the competition welcomes educational practices, projects, products, technologies and learning solutions that demonstrate originality, pedagogical value, practical applicability and measurable educational impact.
Participants may submit an innovation in the form of a:
- Practice: An innovative teaching, learning or assessment practice that improves the educational experience or learning outcomes.
- Project: A structured educational initiative, intervention or programme addressing an identified teaching or learning need.
- Product: A tangible or digital educational resource, application, platform, tool, module or technology developed based on sound pedagogical principles.
Objectives
The NALI 2026 Innovation Competition and Exhibition aims to:
- Recognize and showcase innovative practices, projects, products and technologies that contribute to the enhancement of teaching, learning and assessments.
- Provide a collaborative platform for educators, researchers, students, industry practitioners and educational innovators to exchange knowledge, experiences and best practices.
- Support educational innovations that demonstrate meaningful impact, practical applicability, scalability and long-term sustainability.
Eligibility & Competition Categories
Eligibility
The competition is open to educators, researchers, students, educational institutions, government agencies, non-governmental organisations, industries and other individuals or teams involved in educational innovation.
Competition Categories
Submissions should address at least one of the following five competition categories:
1. Innovation in Pedagogy, Assessment and Curriculum Design
2. Artificial Intelligence-Enhanced Teaching and Learning
3. Digital, Immersive, and Flexible Learning Ecosystem
4. Inclusive and Accessible Digital Education
5. Lifelong Learning
Category 1: Innovation in Pedagogy and Assessment
This category recognises innovative approaches that improve teaching practices, learning experiences and assessment processes. Relevant innovations may include:
- Innovative pedagogical models and instructional strategies
- Student-centred, collaborative or experiential learning
- Authentic, alternative and competency-based assessment
- Digital assessment and feedback approaches
- Approaches that strengthen academic integrity
- Innovative curriculum and course design
- Evidence-based improvements in student engagement and achievement
Category 2: AI-Enhanced Teaching and Learning
This category focuses on the responsible and human-centred application of artificial intelligence to enhance teaching, learning and assessment. Relevant innovations may include:
- Generative AI applications for teaching and learning
- AI-powered educational chatbots and intelligent tutoring systems
- Adaptive and personalised learning
- AI-supported assessment and feedback
- Learning analytics and predictive systems
- AI literacy and responsible AI education
- Ethical, transparent and inclusive use of AI
- Human-AI collaboration in educational practice
Category 3: Digital, Immersive and Flexible Learning Ecosystems
This category recognises digital environments and flexible learning models that enable engaging learning across different locations, platforms and modes of delivery. Relevant innovations may include:
- Blended, hybrid and online learning
- Open and Distance Learning
- Virtual, augmented and mixed reality
- Simulations, virtual laboratories and immersive learning
- Digital learning platforms and ecosystems
- MOOCs, micro-credentials and stackable learning pathways
- Flexible and personalised learning models
- Technology-supported collaborative learning environments
Category 4: Inclusive and Accessible Digital Education
This category focuses on innovations that ensure equitable access to meaningful and high-quality educational experiences. Relevant innovations may include:
- Universal Design for Learning
- Assistive and accessible educational technologies
- Inclusive learning resources and assessment practices
- Learning solutions for students with diverse abilities and needs
- Low-bandwidth and mobile-friendly learning solutions
- Multilingual and culturally responsive education
- Initiatives that reduce the digital divide
- Educational solutions for underserved or marginalised communities
Category 5: Lifelong Learning
This category recognises innovations that support continuous learning, professional development, upskilling and reskilling across different stages of life and employment. Relevant innovations may include:
- Professional and continuing education
- Workforce upskilling and reskilling
- Industry-based and work-integrated learning
- Community and adult education
- Short courses, micro-credentials and professional certifications
- Recognition of prior learning
- Flexible and stackable learning pathways
- Personalised learning for career and professional development
Participation and Submission Guidelines
Project Originality and Enhancement
Submitted innovations should demonstrate originality and a clear contribution to educational practice. Projects previously entered in other competitions, including earlier NALI events, may be resubmitted only if they incorporate substantial enhancements, new features or clearly differentiated improvements.
Individual and Team Participation
Participants may submit entries individually or as part of a team, including teams comprising members from different institutions. Multiple submissions are permitted; however, each innovation must be registered separately and is subject to an individual registration fee.
Author Limit
Each submission may include a maximum of ten authors. Names listed beyond the tenth author will not be included in the official NALI 2026 conference proceedings.
Extended Abstract Requirements
Each submission must be accompanied by a three- to four-page extended abstract, inclusive of references and acknowledgements. The abstract must be written in English and prepared using the official Extended Abstract Template.
Mode of Presentation
All presentations must be delivered physically at the event venue. Virtual or online presentations will not be accepted. Poster Template
Registration Fees and Key Deadlines
Registration will be considered complete only after the participant clicks “Submit”. Entries saved as “Draft” will not be accepted. Participants must also upload the following three required documents: the Extended Abstract, Project Poster and Proof of Payment.
| Registration Type | Timeline (2026) | Fee per Entry |
| Early Bird | 15 July – 1 August | RM 300.00 |
| Normal Price | 2 August – 31 August |
RM 350.00 |
To register, simply follow the step-by-step ‘How to register’ guide in the video below:
Cancellation and Refund Guidelines
Voluntary Withdrawal
Requests submitted to nali@utm.my by 20 August 2026 are eligible for a 50% refund.
Incomplete Registration
Disqualified entries due to incomplete registration may receive an 80% refund if payment has been processed.
Non-Attendance
Participants who do not attend the physical exhibition without prior notice will not receive a refund.
Judging and Presentation
- Judging will take place at the exhibition booths on 28 October 2026, from 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. Each entry will be assessed by at least two judges.
- Presenters will have seven minutes to pitch their innovation, followed by a three minutes question-and-answer session.
- Participants must print and display the official project poster at their own expense. Supporting materials, such as brochures, demonstration items and certificates, are encouraged. Poster Template
Judging Procedures and Evaluation Criteria
Judging will be conducted at the exhibition booths on 28 October 2026, from 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. Each entry will be assessed by at least two judges through a seven-minutes presentation followed by a three-minutes Q&A session.
Participants must print and display the official poster, highlighting the project objectives, novelty, innovation and relevance to NALI. Supporting materials are encouraged.
Evaluation Rubrics
Each innovation will be assessed according to the following criteria and corresponding weightage:
1. Extended Abstract (10%)
Clearly and concisely presents the subject, context and background of the project, with a coherent link to its purpose and investigation.
2. Poster (15%)
Demonstrates excellence in visual design, layout, organisation, content clarity and overall presentation.
3. Novelty (10%)
Demonstrates original ideas that extend beyond existing practices and are presented in distinctive and meaningful ways.
4. Creativity (10%)
Shows imaginative and well-designed ideas that introduce new perspectives to teaching and learning.
5. Innovativeness (10%)
Demonstrates significant improvements or transformations to conventional teaching and learning practices, resulting in a novel educational experience.
6. Applicability (10%)
Provides evidence of effectiveness, practicality and consistent application of relevant NALI learning approaches, methods or materials.
7. Impact on Student Learning (20%)
Demonstrates significant and sustainable improvements in student engagement, empowerment or learning outcomes, supported by systematic evidence or measurement.
8. Presentation (15%)
Communicates the project clearly, accurately and confidently, with effective delivery, appropriate pacing, audience engagement and suitable presentation aids.
Awards and Recognition
Based on the final scores awarded according to the evaluation rubric, eligible innovations will receive one of the following awards:
- Gold Medal
- Silver Medal
- Bronze Medal
Entries that do not meet the minimum award threshold will receive a Certificate of Participation.
Outstanding Gold Medal recipients will also be considered for the prestigious NALI Best of the Best Award. All decisions made by the judging panel are final.
NalI Award
Guideline Video
Open to all UTM staff
Criteria
This award is open to all UTM staff.
Applicants are required to meet the following criteria:
1. NALI-Driven
The submission must demonstrate the application of New Academia Learning Innovation (NALI) principles in enhancing teaching and learning.
2. Outstanding Achievement
The submission should demonstrate outstanding achievements or a proven track record, such as:
• Awards
• Medals
• Research or innovation grants
• Publications
Participation and achievements in other teaching and learning competitions will also be taken into consideration.
3. Submission Category
The submission must fall under one of the following categories:
+ Practice
A transformative teaching practice that enhances student engagement and learning outcomes.
+ Project
A student-centred project that creates an authentic, experiential, and immersive learning environment.
+ Product
An innovative learning material or educational product developed based on sound pedagogical principles that:
• Enhances learning and teaching;
• Integrates appropriate technologies; and
• Incorporates elements of Higher Education 4.0.
4. Evidence of Implementation
The submitted Practice, Project, or Product must have been implemented for a minimum of *two (2) semesters* and be supported by evidence demonstrating:
• Effectiveness;
• Impact on student learning;
• Student or stakeholder feedback (where applicable); and
• Continuous quality improvement.
5. Submission Compliance
Only complete submissions that fulfil all award requirements will proceed to the evaluation stage. The Organising Committee reserves the right to reject incomplete, inaccurate, or non-compliant submissions without further review.
6. How to Register
To submit your application, simply follow the step-by-step registration guide provided in the instructional video below.
NalI Educator Award
Open to all UTM staff ( by invitation )
NALI Educator Award is a recognition that celebrates excellence in education and acknowledges educators who have made significant contributions to the field of teaching and learning. This award honours individuals that displayed a passion for their subject matter, an understanding of pedagogy, and fostering a love for learning and instilling lifelong skills as a teacher.
Candidates for the NALI Educator Award are evaluated based on various criteria, including their impact on student learning outcomes, their ability to adapt teaching methods to different learning styles and needs, their use of innovative approaches and technologies, and their contributions to the overall improvement of education.
Criteria
This award is for invited UTM staff only
(the award is strictly for UTM staff members who have received an invitation)
We look for participation that has the following criteria:
- NALI Driven
- Outstanding achievement or track record (Awards / Medals/ Grants/ Publications)
- Track records from participation in other teaching and learning competitions will also be considered.
- It can be a Practice/Project/Product:
- Practice-Transformative Teaching that results in improved student
engagement and achievement in learning. - Project-Student centered project that implements authentic/immersive
learning environment.
Product-An innovative output of learning materials based on good pedagogical principles for improved student learning.
- Has impact on learning and teaching
- Integrates technology
- Incorporates elements of Higher Education 4.0
IMPORTANT DATES
Nali Award
Open submission
15 july 2026
Submission Deadline
Judging session Starts
Innovation Competition & Exhibition
Registration Deadline (early bird)
Final Registration Deadline
NALI 2026 Event
28 - 29 October 2026
Save
Locations
Event Venue
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA
Accommodation
Nearest Hotels
to Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
SCHOLAR’S INN UTM
SCHOLAR’S INN UTM
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
81310 UTM Johor Bahru, Johor.
07-553 5197
07-553 6695
WhatsApp : 601119785181
scholarsinn@utm.my
U-HOTEL
HOTEL AUSTIN PARADISE (BRANCH)
No. 75, 77 & 79, Jalan Pulai 7,
Taman Pulai Utama,
81300 Skudai, Johor
07-5206888
07-5201888
GRAND PARAGON HOTEL
18, Jalan Harimau,
Taman Century
80250 Johor Bahru, Johor
07-268 5222
07-268 5222
07-268 5331
resv@grandparagonhotel.com.my
IMPIANA HOTEL SENAI
Jalan Impiana Senai Utama 2,
Taman Impian Senai, 81400 Senai, Johor
60 7-521 2121
enquiry@pulaisprings.com
APOLLO HOTEL
KSL RESORT JOHOR BAHRU
33 Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad,
80250 Johor Bahru,
Malaysia
GOODHOPE HOTEL
No. 1, Jalan Ronggeng 5,
Taman Skudai Baru
Skudai, Johor Bahru
81300 Johor
07-557282
reservation@goodhopehotel.com.my
Sponsors
Main sponsor
Co-sponsor
Company Name
Company Name
Company Name
Company Name
Company Name
Company Name
CONTACT US
General Enquiry
Pn. Noraini Khalid
E-Mail: nali@utm.my
NALI Award Enquiry
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Nihra Haruzuan Mohamad Said
E-Mail: nihra@utm.my
Innovation Competition & Exhibition Enquiry
Dr. Noraini Ibrahim
E-Mail: noraini_ib@utm.my
