Opening Remarks by Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., at UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon underscore MoU with OneWork Solutions Malaysia to Foster Academic Excellence, Professional Skills, and International Career Opportunities
Cirebon, March 9, 2026 — UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon marked a major milestone in strengthening its global engagement through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with OneWork Solutions Sdn. Bhd., Malaysia, a company specializing in gig economy platforms and online skills assessment services. The collaboration aims to enhance academic excellence while preparing students with professional competencies and international career readiness. Delivering the opening remarks, Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. emphasized the importance of international partnerships in transforming higher education, stating, “This collaboration represents a strategic step toward connecting academic learning with global industry ecosystems and expanding international career opportunities for our students.” The event highlighted the university’s commitment to integrating academic innovation with global professional standards.
The ceremony was attended by distinguished academic leaders and representatives of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, including Dr. Ayus Ahmad Yusuf, M.Si., Vice Rector for Academic Affairs; Prof. Dr. H. Jamali, M.Ag., Vice Rector for Planning, Finance, and General Affairs; Zainal Arifin, S.Ag.; Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., Head of the International Office; heads of Academic and General Administration; Dr. Jaja Suteja, M.Pd.I., Vice Dean II of the Faculty of Da’wah and Islamic Communication (FDKI); Dr. Asep Mulyana, M.Si., Vice Dean III of FITK; Dr. Hj. Dewi Fatmasari, M.Si., Vice Dean II of FEBI; Dr. Naila Farah, M.Ag., Dean of FDKI; Dr. Naeila Rifatul Muna, M.Pd.I., Vice Dean II of FUA; Wahyono, S.Pd.I., M.Pd.I., Head of Career Development Center; Dr. Maulidya Ulfah, M.Pd.I. from LP2M; Dr. Arief Rachman, M.Si., Vice Dean I of FDKI; Dr. H. Otong Busthomi, LC., Head of HES/HTN Department; Rijal Mahdi, M.A., Secretary of BSA Department; and Dr. H. Achmad Otong Busthomi, M.Ag., Head of Islamic Economics Department. Representatives from OneWork Solutions included Amir Haziq Hafiz, Noormaizi, Fathurrahman Mahfudz, Prof. Dr. Akhmad Affandi, Adzmi Kusyairy, Siti Nor Aini, and Atta Ullah, reflecting strong institutional commitment from both parties toward international collaboration.
The partnership comes amid rapid global changes driven by digital transformation, automation, and the expansion of flexible employment models within the global gig economy. Universities today face increasing pressure to produce graduates who are not only academically capable but also professionally agile and technologically adaptive. Many graduates encounter barriers when entering the workforce due to gaps between theoretical learning and practical industry demands. These challenges underline the urgency for higher education institutions to adopt collaborative, industry-linked learning models that provide students with real-world exposure and globally relevant competencies.
In his remarks, Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. stressed the shared vision between both institutions in empowering students through experiential and industry-oriented education. He stated, “Our partnership with OneWork Solutions creates an ecosystem where students can gain early professional exposure through structured training, competency assessments, and international career mentoring programs.” Representatives from both organizations discussed how collaborative initiatives would enable students to participate in academic freelancing opportunities, develop measurable professional skills, and engage with global employment networks that enhance long-term career prospects.
The MoU establishes a five-year framework for cooperation covering academic collaboration, research development, and community engagement initiatives. Planned programs include undergraduate freelancing training, employability and competency assessments, postgraduate mentoring schemes, and academic exchange activities mutually agreed upon by both parties. By leveraging digital platforms and cross-border professional networks, students will gain access to international projects, professional certifications, and mentoring opportunities designed to strengthen their competitiveness in an increasingly globalized labor market.
Following the signing ceremony, both institutions agreed to proceed with detailed implementation agreements outlining operational mechanisms, program responsibilities, and resource allocation. The collaboration is expected to foster sustainable academic–industry integration while positioning UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon as a growing center for digital talent development in Southeast Asia. Through continuous evaluation and joint program execution, the partnership aims to deliver measurable outcomes in graduate employability, innovation capacity, and international academic engagement.
Closing his opening remarks, Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. reaffirmed the broader mission of higher education in preparing globally responsible citizens. He stated, “Higher education must serve as a bridge between knowledge, professional skills, and meaningful contributions to the global community, ensuring that graduates are ready to lead and collaborate across borders.” The MoU reflects a shared commitment to nurturing adaptive, skilled, and globally competitive graduates, reinforcing the transformative role of international collaboration in shaping the future of education and workforce development.
Author: Muhammad Azkiya Bahtsulkhoir