UniMAP Taps Muhammadiyah Higher Education Council's Network Of 165 Indonesian Universities With New MoU

MEDAN, Sept 15 (Bernama) -- 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.

UniMAP vice-chancellor Datuk Prof Dr Zaliman Sauli said the partnership is set to boost the university's academic, research, innovation and talent development efforts through the Muhammadiyah higher education council’s extensive network.

He said the collaboration holds strong strategic value for UniMAP, as it goes beyond ties between two institutions and could connect the university to the council’s vast network of higher education institutions.

"This collaboration opens up opportunities for student mobility, staff and academic exchanges, postgraduate studies, research and joint grant applications, publications and co-supervision.

"Also being explored are lectures, symposiums, seminars, conferences, workshops and visiting lecturer programmes that can enrich the academic experience of both parties," he said in a statement today.

The MoU was signed by Zaliman on behalf of UniMAP and by Prof Dr Bambang Setiaji, chairman of the council, at a dinner at a hotel here last night, witnessed by the Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, who also graced the event.

The signing was held alongside the proclamation of the Raja Muda of Perlis as the first Chancellor of Universiti Muhammadiyah Malaysia at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara here yesterday.

Zaliman said the collaboration also offers lecturers from the Universitas Muhammadiyah network opportunities to pursue PhD studies at UniMAP, as well as explore a dual degree programme.

He said the move would not only enhance academic mobility but could also strengthen the development of highly skilled human capital between Malaysia and Indonesia.

Zaliman added that UniMAP now has 29 MoUs and Memorandums of Agreement (MoAs) with Indonesian higher education institutions, reflecting the growing academic ties between the two countries.

He said 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.

"Through Muhammadiyah's vast network, we see the potential to expand research project collaboration further while developing talent that benefits both countries," he said.

Zaliman said stronger academic ties have also driven up Indonesian student enrolment at UniMAP, particularly at the postgraduate level, with nearly 100 Indonesian students currently studying there.

"This proves that UniMAP's internationalisation efforts not only give its community the chance to gain experience abroad, but also position UniMAP as a destination of choice for international students," he said.

-- BERNAMA