Surakarta, January 13, 2025—Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) welcomed representatives from Kongju National University (KNU), South Korea, at the BPH Meeting Room, Siti Walidah Building, 6th Floor, for a partnership discussion. The meeting marked a significant step toward strengthening international academic collaboration.
The representatives from Kongju National University comprised Prof. Dr. Jang Changgee, Vice-Rector for Cooperation, Jang Jae-Kyoung, Head of the Cooperation Division, Byun Sung Keun from the International Language Institute, and Joseph Han, Staff of the Cooperation Division. The delegation’s visit underscores KNU’s commitment to forging meaningful international ties.
Prof. Supriyono, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., Vice Rector of Collaboration and International Affairs UMS, emphasized that the collaboration extends between UMS and KNU is not only limited to student and staff exchange programs. But, it also involves research partnerships intended to enhance the quantity and quality of academic publications, serving as a catalyst to elevate the international rankings of both institutions, particularly in the QS Rankings.
Joseph Han, representing Kongju National University, conveyed the university’s commitment to facilitating academic mobility under the Credit Transfer Program in collaboration with Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS). Kongju National University is prepared to host two Management students from UMS and, in turn, will send their students to UMS’s International Program. The agreement, formalized in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), ensures tuition fee waivers for participating students during their one-year exchange, with each institution allowed to send up to 4 (four) students annually.
He also emphasized the promising opportunities for collaboration in student mobility, as several academic programs at both institutions align closely. However, he acknowledged the language barrier, noting that certain programs at Kongju National University are not yet available in English. To address this, Korean language training may be required. Despite these challenges, he expressed confidence in the success of the program.
The agenda continued with a productive discussion, highlighting the aspirations of both universities to explore further collaboration in various academic fields. One of the significant initiatives discussed was the potential implementation of a reciprocal Double Degree Program, reflecting the commitment to enhancing educational opportunities.
The event proceeds with the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signifying the formalization of the agreement and serve a pivotal step in further collaboration. The event also featured an exchange of souvenirs as a gesture of goodwill between the two institutions.
The collaboration between UMS and KNU represents a vital move towards the internationalization of UMS, enhancing its global academic footprint while fostering cultural and educational exchange with a prestigious world-class university.
