KUCHING: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) has been announced as the next host of the International Conference on Translation (PPA-21), which will take place in Bangi, Selangor, in 2027.
The announcement was made during the closing ceremony of the 20th International Conference on Translation (PPA-20) at the Riverside Majestic today, with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) formally handing over the hosting rights to UKM.
UKM Vice-Chancellor, Dr Sufian Jusoh, represented by Prof. Dr Abdul Halim Abdul Gafur, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, said the university is honoured to take on the responsibility of continuing the long-standing tradition.
“Our vision for PPA-21 is to create a platform that celebrates academic excellence while embracing innovation, diversity, and cross-cultural collaboration.
“We aim to bring together scholars, industry players and practitioners to ensure that research and professional practice complement one another,” he said.
He added that UKM would leverage its expertise in language and technology to strengthen the role of translation in the digital age.
“UKM has been entrusted by the Malaysian Government to develop a sovereign Malay AI model in partnership with Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) and the Institute of Translation and Books Malaysia (ITBM).
“This large language model will empower Malay translation and ensure our linguistic heritage thrives in the digital era,” he noted.
Meanwhile, representing UNIMAS Vice-Chancellor Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit, Prof. Dr Dilah Tuah, dean of the Faculty of Education, Language and Communication, said hosting PPA-20 had been a meaningful experience for UNIMAS.
“Translation is not just about transferring words; it is an act of preserving identity, extending heritage and nurturing the creative economy.
“Through this conference, we have seen how translation continues to play a critical role in shaping knowledge and cultural sustainability,” he said.
Dilah expressed confidence that UKM would carry forward the momentum by hosting a successful PPA-21 in 2027.
The 20th conference, themed ‘Preserving Heritage Through Translation’, gathered academics, professionals and practitioners to explore the evolving role of translation in culture, education and technology.
