Sustained collaboration is a key indicator of the quality of international partnerships. This principle is reflected in the agreement to extend cooperation between Universitas Muhammadiyah Gresik (UM Gresik) and Dhurakij Pundit University (DPU), Bangkok, Thailand, reaffirming the commitment of both institutions to continue global collaboration in a consistent and strategic manner.
This agreement marks the next phase of an ongoing partnership. UM Gresik and DPU Bangkok agreed not only to maintain institutional relations, but also to expand the implementation of collaborative programs that directly support academic development and institutional capacity building. The cooperation focuses on strengthening the quality of higher education through various initiatives that respond to global challenges.
One of the key agendas within this extended partnership is the implementation of Curriculum Benchmarking and a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on Academic Collaboration, scheduled for 18 December 2025. The academic forum is designed as a platform for dialogue to align curricula, share best practices in teaching and learning, and formulate collaborative academic opportunities that can be jointly implemented.
The Rector of UM Gresik, Prof. Dr. Khoirul Anwar, S.Pd., M.Pd., views the extension of this cooperation as a reflection of shared vision between the two universities. According to him, the sustainability of the collaboration demonstrates that the partnership is built not only on formal agreements, but also on mutual trust and tangible benefits. “The continuation of this collaboration indicates its value and positive impact. The challenge ahead is to ensure that the programs are implemented effectively and sustainably,” he stated.
The signing of the cooperation extension was carried out directly by the Rector of UM Gresik as a representation of the institution’s commitment. The event was also attended by the Head of the International Relations Office (IRO) of UM Gresik, Paulina, S.Pd., M.Pd., along with university leaders and members of the academic community involved in strengthening the university’s international agenda.
From the perspective of international partnership management, the Head of IRO UM Gresik emphasized that the collaboration with DPU Bangkok holds strategic significance within the university’s internationalization roadmap, particularly in the Southeast Asian region. The extension of this partnership is expected to create broader opportunities for the development of more structured academic programs with direct impact. “Our focus is to ensure that this collaboration remains active through concrete programs that involve both lecturers and students,” she explained.
Through this extended cooperation, UM Gresik and Dhurakij Pundit University reaffirm their joint commitment to building an international collaboration that is adaptive, responsive to global dynamics, and oriented toward improving the quality of higher education. The sustainability of this partnership is expected to strengthen the academic networks of both institutions while contributing meaningfully at regional and international levels.