Kuala lumpur: Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Majelis Pendidikan Tinggi Penelitian dan Pengembangan Pimpinan Pusat Muhammadiyah, opening access to 165 higher education institutions across Indonesia.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, UniMAP vice-chancellor Datuk Prof Dr Zaliman Sauli stated that the partnership is set to enhance the university's academic, research, innovation, and talent development efforts through the Muhammadiyah higher education council's extensive network. The collaboration is viewed as holding strategic value for UniMAP, connecting the university to the council's vast network of institutions.
"This collaboration opens up opportunities for student mobility, staff and academic exchanges, postgraduate studies, research and joint grant applications, publications and co-supervision," said Zaliman. Additionally, plans are underway to explore lectures, symposiums, seminars, conferences, workshops, and visiting lecturer programs to enrich the academic experience for both parties involved.
The MoU was signed by Zaliman on behalf of UniMAP and by Prof Dr Bambang Setiaji, chairman of the council, during a dinner event witnessed by the Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, who also graced the occasion. This event coincided with the proclamation of the Raja Muda of Perlis as the first Chancellor of Universiti Muhammadiyah Malaysia at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara.
Zaliman highlighted that the collaboration will offer lecturers from the Universitas Muhammadiyah network opportunities to pursue PhD studies at UniMAP and explore a dual degree program. He emphasized that this move would enhance academic mobility and strengthen the development of highly skilled human capital between Malaysia and Indonesia.
UniMAP now holds 29 MoUs and Memorandums of Agreement (MoAs) with Indonesian higher education institutions, reflecting the growing academic ties between the two countries. The collaboration covers strategic fields, including AI, semiconductors, humanities, materials, antennas, as well as networks and communications, with a total value exceeding RM500,000.
"This relationship is no longer just an academic exchange; it has grown into research and innovation with greater value and impact," Zaliman noted. "Through Muhammadiyah's vast network, we see the potential to expand research project collaboration further while developing talent that benefits both countries."
Stronger academic ties have also led to an increase in Indonesian student enrolment at UniMAP, particularly at the postgraduate level, with nearly 100 Indonesian students currently studying there. Zaliman remarked that UniMAP's internationalisation efforts not only allow its community to gain experience abroad but also position the institution as a destination of choice for international students.