Surakarta, August 14, 2025 – Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS), through the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) and the Directorate of Reputation, Partnership, and International Affairs, welcomed a delegation from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia. The visit aimed to strengthen academic ties and explore opportunities for international collaboration in the fields of research, training, and exchange programs. The meeting was held on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at the Directorate’s Meeting Room, and marked an important milestone in UMS’s efforts to expand its global academic network.
Representing UMS at the meeting were Nurgiyatna, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Director of the Directorate of Reputation, Partnership, and International Affairs), Prof. Dr. Anam Sutopo, M.Hum (Dean of FKIP UMS), Dr. Muhammad Noor Kholid (Vice Dean for Partnership and Internationalization, FKIP UMS), Dedi Gunawan, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., and Hepy Adityarini, Ph.D. (Head of Academic Development and Mobility Program). The UiTM delegation was led by Miss Dianna Suzieanna Mohamad Shah (Fellow of Collaborative Group 360 Video Based Learning, UiTM), accompanied by Mohamad Safwat Ashahri Mohd Salim and Mohd Nur Fitri Mohd Salim (Members of Collaborative Group 360 Video Based Learning, UiTM).
During the meeting, both parties engaged in a comprehensive discussion about potential areas of collaboration. Several strategic initiatives were identified, including joint research projects and scientific publications, co-organization of international academic conferences, collaborative training programs, and mutual sharing of expertise. The possibility of establishing faculty exchange programs was also highlighted as a key strategy to broaden international exposure for lecturers and strengthen academic networks between the two institutions.
The discussions also emphasized the importance of innovation in higher education, particularly in leveraging technology to enhance learning experiences. UiTM’s expertise in 360 video-based learning aligns with UMS’s vision to expand digital learning initiatives, while UMS’s strengths in educational technology, gamification, and artificial intelligence offer significant potential for collaboration.
As a concrete follow-up to this initial engagement, both institutions agreed to co-host a Webinar Series scheduled for Wednesday, September 17, 2025. The webinar will feature distinguished UMS speakers, Prof. Dr. Budi Murtiyasa, M.Kom, and Dr. Endah Sudarmilah, S.T., M.Eng., who will present on gamification and artificial intelligence (AI) in education. The program is expected to serve as an insightful academic forum, fostering dialogue on the integration of emerging technologies in teaching and learning.
Through this collaboration, UMS and UiTM reaffirm their shared commitment to advancing international cooperation in higher education. The partnership not only aims to promote academic excellence and innovation but also to provide meaningful opportunities for faculty and students to engage in global academic experiences.
UMS warmly invites academics, researchers, and the broader community to take part in the upcoming webinar, which will be an excellent opportunity to enrich knowledge and perspectives on technology-driven innovations in education.
