Translated by: Mahaliza Mahadhir (
Pictures by: Shamsaimi Ezil
UUM ONLINE: Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first public university in Malaysia to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia (KEMENAG).
Deputy Secretary General (Policy), Ministry of Higher Education, Dato' Dr Megat Sany Megat Ahmad Supian, emphasised the significance of the signed MoU as a symbol of the shared commitment to advancing education and culture between two like-minded countries.
"This initiative serves as a foundation for ongoing collaboration in multidisciplinary areas such as research, student and faculty exchange, and cultural programmes between institutions under the Ministry of Higher Education and KEMENAG," he said.
He stated that the collaboration between UUM, a public university under the auspices of the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE), represents a significant shift in the field of higher education between the two countries, as well as a strong alliance aimed at mutual support and the pursuit of excellence at the global level.
"The signing of this MoU enhances bilateral relations between the two countries but also affords the young generation an opportunity to exchange valuable knowledge and experience.
"My heartiest congratulations to the Vice-Chancellor, UUM, and all UUM denizens for their commendable efforts in enhancing collaborations with educational institutions at the international level," he said at the MOU signing ceremony between Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) and the Ministry of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia (KEMENAG) at EDC-UUM.
He stated that the event aims to strengthen the cooperation relationship between two important entities in the fields of education and human development in Malaysia and Indonesia.
He also expressed optimism that collaboration of this nature will serve as a blueprint for institutions in both countries to engage in a range of human capital development initiatives, demonstrating their commitment to empowering higher education in the face of digital challenges.
Meanwhile, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia (Ministry), Prof. Dr Muhammad Ali Ramdhani, highlighted the meaning of education, which refers to humanising, dignifying, and glorifying humans.
"The purpose of all things is to establish civilisation, yet no civilisation is established overnight due to the ongoing nature of civilisation and the vast distance that must be traversed.”
"A wise man said the road to freedom is a lengthy journey. If you desire a brisk route, walk alone; however, but if you wish to traverse vast distances, let us converge at UUM and support one another.
"The MoU is a lifeless document that needs our active involvement to make it meaningful. Let us work diligently to develop the nation,” he said.
He further reiterated that the initiative represents a significant milestone as the Ministry of Higher Education Institutions in Malaysia introduces the first academic collaboration programme of its kind.
The signed MoU entails an academic cooperation programme between UUM and five State Islamic Universities (UIN) under the auspices of the Ministry. These universities include State Islamic University (UIN) Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh, UIN Raden Fatah Palembang, UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya, and UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung.
He said selected Indonesian students will be fully sponsored by the Ministry of Education through the Indonesia Bangkit Scholarship (BIB) to study at the undergraduate level at UUM and UIN.
"Every Ministry-sponsored student will first complete one year of undergraduate studies at UUM and then another year at the relevant UIN," he stated.
UUM and KEMENAG celebrated the registration of 43 postgraduate students who will begin their studies in the various programmes, namely Master of Science (Educational Management), Master of Education (Islamic Education), Master of Science (Management Communication), Master of Science in Multimedia Journalism, and Master of Islamic Finance and Banking.