Internationalization of Graduate Employment: Japan-Focused Collaboration under the Syekh Nurjati Global Employee Program by UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon
Cirebon, June 17, 2025 — Universitas Islam Negeri Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon (UIN SSC) held a strategic meeting with Nukita Kunci Buana, a Japan-based international workforce agency, to explore employment and internship pathways for students and alumni. The session took place in the Senate Conference Room and was initiated under the leadership of the university's top management, signaling UIN SSC’s institutional commitment to bridging higher education with global labor markets. The meeting was attended by key representatives of UIN SSC, including Dr. Hajam, M.Ag. (Vice Rector I for Academic Affairs), Lala Bumela, Ph.D. (Director of the International Office), Mr. Ayus Ahmad Yusuf, M.Pd. (Head of International Cooperation Division), Mr. Sugiarto, M.Pd.I. (Head of the Academic, Student Affairs, and Cooperation Bureau), Ms. Nelly Andriani, M.Pd. (Head of International Programs Division), Ms. Ivo Rachmawati, M.Hum. (Coordinator of Student Mobility), Dr. Syamsudin Saum, M.A. (Senior Lecturer and International Researcher), Dr. Tata Sugiharta, M.Hum. (Postgraduate Academic Coordinator), and Dr. Tatang Mulyono, M.Pd. (Director of the Center for Language and Foreign Culture). From the Japanese delegation, Mr. Nomusang and Mr. Fukui Daisuke represented Nukita Kunci Buana.
Although not delivering the official opening remarks, Lala Bumela, Ph.D. contributed strategic reflections on the significance of the partnership. “We see this collaboration as a starting point to develop legal and ethical international career tracks for our students,” he stated. He added, “This effort also strengthens our institutional presence in global education networks.”
In the discussion, both parties explored concrete forms of cooperation under the Syekh Nurjati Global Employee Program, a university-wide initiative designed to enhance the career competitiveness of graduates at an international scale. Among the main points discussed were structured internship and employment opportunities in Japan, which could be undertaken during students' academic years or upon graduation—legally and with full training support. These opportunities would be supported by tailored language preparation and cultural orientation.
Mr. Fukui Daisuke, representing Japan’s international workforce network, emphasized the scale of demand in his country. “Currently, there is a need for over 430,000 skilled workers in sectors like tourism, hospitality, and IT,” he explained. “We are seeking individuals who can adapt, learn quickly, and contribute meaningfully to Japanese society.” He noted that the educational background of UIN SSC students, especially those with strong memorization skills from Qur’anic study, could be an asset in learning the Japanese language and work culture.
Mr. Nomusang also shared insight into how Nukita Kunci Buana plans to support the program. “We will adjust our training curriculum to align with the values, academic schedules, and language readiness of UIN SSC students,” he said. The curriculum will prepare students for Japan’s Specific Skills Worker (SSW) program and ensure legal compliance for both internships and post-graduate employment. He further noted, “This is not just job placement—it’s a cultural and educational bridge between two nations.”
As the meeting progressed, the delegates discussed how the International Office of UIN SSC will oversee the quality assurance of the collaboration, especially in aligning it with Indonesia’s Tri Dharma of Higher Education—teaching, research, and community service. The institutional team agreed to monitor academic synchronization between Japan’s industry-based modules and the university’s internal academic outcomes. The partnership will also explore inbound opportunities for Japanese students to pursue undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral programs at UIN SSC.
In response, Mr. Nomusang presented Nukita Kunci Buana’s commitment to supporting UIN SSC students. “We will adjust our training curriculum to suit the academic rhythm and cognitive strengths of your students,” he said. The curriculum will align with Japan’s legal framework for foreign labor under the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) scheme, ensuring that students are fully eligible and prepared for participation.
The meeting also outlined the potential for reciprocal exchange, where students from Japan would be welcomed to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate education at UIN SSC. The university aims to enrich its campus diversity while expanding cultural understanding and academic cooperation. This bilateral vision underscores UIN SSC’s role as both a sending and receiving institution within the global higher education landscape.
This Japan-focused initiative also aligns with UIN SSC’s broader partnerships through the Syekh Nurjati International Employee Program, which includes collaboration with Global Katalyst Germany. The university envisions multiple global entry points for its graduates, ensuring diversified options that support both academic and professional excellence. These pathways are designed in line with the university’s mission to uphold the Tri Dharma of Higher Education—education, research, and community service—at a global level.
As a follow-up, the university and Nukita Kunci Buana will formalize the collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which will serve as the legal framework for future activities. The meeting concluded with a shared optimism that this partnership will open long-term opportunities—not only for student employment, but also for institutional capacity building and cross-cultural learning. It reflects a growing recognition that international collaboration is not a luxury, but a necessity for universities navigating the complexities of the 21st century.
Author: Muhammad Azkiya Bahtsulkhoir