MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, SEMARANG – The Muhammadiyah for Higher Education, Research, and Development took a significant step towards enhancing international collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK). The agreement, signed on August 6 at Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarang, aims to foster academic exchange and cooperation between the two institutions.
The partnership involves 56 Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah higher education institutions (PTMAs) across Indonesia, expanding opportunities for international collaboration. A key goal of this partnership is to support the initiative of Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah higher education institutions to produce 5,000 doctoral graduates. Currently, 4,191 lecturers of the institutions have already held their doctoral degrees.
“Besides Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, a significant number of our doctoral students are also studying at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA),” said Ahmad Muttaqin, Secretary of the Muhammadiyah for Higher Education, Research, and Development.
He highlighted the importance of international partnerships in improving the quality of education and research within Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah higher education institutions.
“Twelve of our Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah higher education institutions have achieved excellent accreditation. For instance, Universitas Muhammadiyah Magelang, having achieved excellent status, is now eligible to establish a medical faculty,” said Muttaqin.
The MoU focuses on several areas of cooperation, including student exchange programs, joint research in agriculture, livestock, mining, and economics, as well as community engagement initiatives. By working together, both institutions aim to enhance academic excellence and address shared challenges.
Prof. Dr. Arham Abdullah, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic, Innovation & International Affairs at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, expressed admiration for Muhammadiyah commitment to social development through education. He emphasized the potential for mutual learning and growth through this partnership.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both Muhammadiyah and Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, as they work together to create a brighter future through education and research.
