As part of its commitment to strengthen regional networks as well as enhance academic internationalization, Universitas Muhammadiyah Gresik (UMG) participated in the Passage to ASEAN (P2A) series of activities held on 19–23 November 2025 at Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) Yogyakarta. In the agenda that became a meeting point for various ASEAN universities, UMG Rector, Prof. Khoirul Anwar, S.Pd., M.Pd.,and Head of IRO UMG, Paulina, S.Pd., M.Pd., attended representing UMG.

On this occasion, Prof. Khoirul Anwar stated that UMG’s participation in international forums such as P2A is a strategic step to strengthen academic collaboration and enhance the international experience of the academic community. “This forum is a valuable opportunity for UMG to expand its regional networks and prepare students to face global challenges, including through strengthening internationalization and technology-based innovation,” he said.

The series of events emphasized strategic collaboration among universities, the development of student mobility, as well as discussions on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in higher education. UMG utilized the forum to assert its active role in shaping the direction of institutional internationalization and expanding its regional academic network.

The activities began with the P2A Indonesia Chapter, a coordination forum that brought together universities in Indonesia to discuss the development of international programs. Discussions focused on strategies to expand student mobility, opportunities for overseas internships, as well as strengthening inter-institutional research collaboration. UMG used this session to share experiences and align institutional steps in academic internationalization.

The next session, the 9th P2A Annual General Meeting (AGM), brought together representatives from universities across Southeast Asia. This year, the meeting emphasized the importance of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education. Topics discussed included the use of AI in the curriculum, innovation in teaching methods, cross-country research collaboration, as well as academic governance and ethics in the digital era. Participants agreed that AI is not merely a technology, but a strategic instrument determining the future direction of higher education in the region.

On this occasion,Paulina, S.Pd., M.Pd., Head of IRO UMG, emphasized that the forum provides important opportunities for UMG to expand its international network. “The discussions at P2A offer new insights into best practices and higher education strategies in ASEAN. Topics such as student mobility and AI integration are highly relevant for UMG to strengthen internationalization and enhance students’ global competencies,” she said.

UMG’s involvement in the P2A series simultaneously strengthens the university’s strategic focus: enhancing student and faculty mobility, expanding international research networks, and preparing the institution to face digital transformation based on AI. This step affirms UMG’s commitment to being a responsive, competitive, and active university in the ASEAN higher education community, while enriching the international experience of its academic members.