International cooperation at Universitas Muhammadiyah Gresik (UM Gresik) is not perceived merely as a ceremonial agenda, but as a continuous process oriented toward concrete implementation. This perspective was reflected in the Implementation of Agreement with Thai Global Business Administration Technological College (TGBA), marking the beginning of a program-based and action-oriented phase of collaboration.

The implementation forum served as a strategic platform to discuss the strengthening of academic collaboration that can be directly carried out by both institutions. Discussions were not limited to institutional relations, but extended to practical academic initiatives. Several collaborative schemes were highlighted, including student and faculty mobility, cross-border research collaboration, and curriculum development aligned with global demands and challenges.

As a concrete follow-up, the cooperation will be implemented through a series of academic programs, namely Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on Academic Collaboration, joint teaching, and a cultural program, scheduled to take place on 17 December 2025. These activities are designed as spaces for academic dialogue, the exchange of teaching practices, and cross-cultural engagement between UM Gresik and TGBA.

Rector of UM Gresik, Prof. Dr. Khoirul Anwar, S.Pd., M.Pd., emphasized that higher education institutions must take a more progressive approach in building international partnerships. According to him, the implementation of agreements is crucial to ensure that cooperation does not remain merely administrative, but evolves into a shared learning process across countries.

“Universities must be willing to open themselves to global collaboration while maintaining clear direction and purpose,” he stated.

This approach was further reinforced by Paulina, S.Pd., M.Pd., Head of the International Relations Office (IRO) of UM Gresik, who explained that Southeast Asia has become one of the university’s strategic focuses in its internationalization agenda. Collaboration with institutions in Thailand is viewed as an important step toward building a strong and mutually reinforcing regional academic network.

“We aim to promote cooperation that enables the exchange of ideas, academic cultures, and institutional experiences with tangible impact on our academic community,” she explained.

The implementation forum was attended by UM Gresik’s leadership, including Director of Postgraduate Studies Dr. Rahmat Agus Santoso, S.E., M.M., Dean of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education Dr. Nur Fauziyah, S.Pd., M.Pd., as well as representatives from the Faculty of Economics and Business, represented by Head of the Management Study Program Elok Vilantika, S.E., M.M., along with members of the postgraduate academic community.

Through this forum, UM Gresik reaffirmed its view of internationalization as a long-term process built through active engagement, academic dialogue, and shared commitment. Cross-border cooperation is expected to serve as a platform for the academic community to develop global competencies while maintaining the Islamic values that define the university’s identity.