Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) and Aklan State University (ASU), Philippines, reached a significant milestone with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a virtual collaborative meeting held via Zoom. The event marked the formalization of a new partnership aimed at fostering academic and research collaborations between the two institutions.

The meeting, which took place on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, was attended by the leadership and key representatives from both universities. A representative from the rector of Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Prof. Supriyono, S.T., M.T., Ph.D, and President of Aklan State University, Jeffrey A. Clarin, spearheaded the event, underscoring the importance of international collaboration in higher education.

The newly signed MoU outlines various areas of cooperation, including joint research projects, faculty and student exchange programs, academic conferences, and the sharing of resources in areas of mutual interest. This partnership aims to enhance the global outlook of both universities, providing new opportunities for students and faculty to engage in cross-border educational experiences.

During the meeting, both leaders expressed their commitment to strengthening ties between Indonesia and the Philippines through education and research. Prof. Supriyono, S.T., M.T., Ph.D emphasized that the collaboration would not only enhance the academic environment at UMS but also contribute to the advancement of knowledge that addresses global challenges.

The virtual meeting concluded with a sense of optimism for the future, as both institutions look forward to turning this agreement into tangible outcomes that benefit both their respective communities and the global academic community at large.

This collaboration between Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta and Aklan State University exemplifies the growing trend of international partnerships in higher education, aimed at fostering innovation and excellence on a global scale.