Surakarta, 16 June 2024 — Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) continues to strengthen its global engagement by conducting a Promotional Roadshow and initiating academic collaboration visits to various educational institutions in Cambodia. The series of activities took place from June 11 to 13, 2024, as part of UMS’s ongoing commitment to internationalization and global outreach.
The initiative was made possible with the support of the Asian Foundation, an Islamic organization in Cambodia focused on education, health, and tourism. Alex Kurniadi, S.Pd., International Program Staff at UMS, emphasized how valuable the assistance from the foundation was in accessing local education institutions.
“The support from the Asian Foundation was a strategic gateway for UMS to connect with educational communities in Cambodia. In addition to promoting UMS’s academic programs, we also established institutional communication for long-term collaboration,” explained Alex.
The UMS delegation, represented by Wijianto, S.T., M.Eng.Sc., Head of International Programs, and Alex Kurniadi, S.Pd., visited several high schools, including Hun Sen Prey Nob High School and Don Bosco Technical and Hotel School. During these visits, UMS introduced its flagship academic and non-academic programs, such as international class tracks, student mobility opportunities, and a dynamic Islamic learning environment.
One of the most well-received topics among the students was the scholarship opportunities offered by UMS for international students. The presentation generated great enthusiasm and many questions were raised regarding application procedures, eligibility, and student life in Indonesia.
“They were very enthusiastic about the scholarships we offer. Most Cambodian high school graduates go directly into the workforce, and tuition fees in Cambodia are relatively expensive. So UMS became a very attractive option for them,” Alex added.
In addition to school visits, UMS held exploratory meetings with prominent universities in Cambodia, including the Cambodia University for Specialists, Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC), The National Polytechnic Institute of Cambodia (NPIC), and the University of Health Sciences (UHS). These meetings focused on potential collaborations in student exchanges, joint research, and international academic development.
A significant milestone was achieved through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UMS and the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC). The agreement includes cooperation on student exchanges, internship programs, summer courses, credit transfers, and plans to establish a double degree program.
This initiative highlights UMS’s strong commitment to building international academic networks, expanding global learning opportunities, and contributing to cross-border educational development. UMS continues to pursue its vision of becoming an inclusive and globally competitive university through strategic and meaningful international partnerships.
