MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, PERLIS – Irwan Akib and Muhammad Sayuti, Chairperson and Secretary of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah, paid a visit and conducted monitoring at the Universiti Muhammadiyah Malaysia (UMAM).
During the meeting at UMAM on September 8, Irwan highlighted the university’s vital role in Muhammadiyah’s internationalization program, particularly within the ASEAN region.
“The presence of UMAM is very important for Muhammadiyah and for the internationalization of its educational mission,” he said.
Irwan also expressed appreciation for UMAM’s recent achievements, including an increase in student enrollment from Thailand. He noted that, as a relatively new university, such progress is something to be grateful for.
Echoing this view, Sayuti emphasized the need for closer collaboration with the Board of Muhammadiyah Special Branch in Malaysia (PCIM Malaysia) to advance UMAM’s development.
He added that UMAM still needs to make various improvements in order to grow into a reputable higher education institution capable of attracting more students from across the region.
Meanwhile, Bambang Setiaji, Chairperson of the Council for Higher Education, Research, and Development of Muhammadiyah, outlined several plans for UMAM’s growth. One proposal under consideration is the opening of a master’s program in Information Technology.
Beyond academic expansion, Bambang also suggested broadening UMAM’s network by establishing a new campus in Malaysia and strengthening partnerships with Muhammadiyah–‘Aisyiyah universities in Indonesia (PTMA).
This collaboration could include sending lecturers to pursue doctoral studies at UMAM. While such initiatives have already begun, he noted that they need to be further optimized.
