International collaboration is no longer merely a formal agenda for Universitas Muhammadiyah Gresik (UMG), but has evolved into a strategic step in building academic strength at the global level. This commitment was reaffirmed through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UMG and Shahrisabz State Pedagogical Institute, Uzbekistan, on Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Shahrisabz.

This partnership goes beyond expanding networks, focusing instead on tangible outcomes such as collaborative research and international publications. UMG positions this collaboration as a strategic platform to enhance academic quality while extending its contribution to the global academic community.

Through the MoU, both institutions open a wide range of collaborative opportunities, including faculty and student exchanges, curriculum development, and the organization of seminars, workshops, and academic conferences. In addition, a major emphasis is placed on joint research initiatives and international publications as concrete outputs of the partnership.

The Rector of Universitas Muhammadiyah Gresik, Prof. Dr. Khoirul Anwar, M.Pd., stated that this collaboration is part of UMG’s ongoing effort to expand its global academic network. According to him, international partnerships should generate meaningful impact for the academic community, particularly through the improvement of research quality and scholarly publications.

He further emphasized that the collaboration with Shahrisabz State Pedagogical Institute opens broader opportunities for UMG lecturers and students to engage in cross-border academic activities. Through this partnership, both institutions can exchange perspectives, enrich academic discourse, and encourage the production of joint international publications.

Meanwhile, the Rector of Shahrisabz State Pedagogical Institute, Prof. Dr. Mash’al Saidov, warmly welcomed the collaboration. He highlighted its strategic value in bringing together two educational institutions from Indonesia and Uzbekistan in advancing knowledge, education, and cultural understanding.

According to Prof. Mash’al Saidov, cross-border academic collaboration has become an essential requirement for modern higher education. Through joint research, academic exchanges, and scholarly forums, both institutions can build a more open, productive, and globally relevant academic ecosystem.

The signing of this MoU marks the beginning of a more concrete collaboration. UMG and Shahrisabz State Pedagogical Institute have placed collaborative research and international publications as key priorities in the implementation of this partnership.

With a duration of five years, this collaboration is expected to strengthen the global academic positioning of both institutions, while also contributing meaningfully to the development of knowledge and the enhancement of cross-border educational quality.