Post-Meeting Roadmap: UINSSC and ICCCM Target Women’s Leadership and SDG-Aligned Partnerships in ASEAN-Vietnam Networks
Cirebon, June 19, 2025 — The International Office of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon (UINSSC) hosted a virtual coordination meeting with the International Cultural Communication Centre Malaysia (ICCCM) to discuss proposed initiatives aimed at empowering women through education, research, and cultural exchange. Attended by Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. (Head of UINSSC’s International Office & Partnership), Siti Nurkhaleeda (ITEA ICCCM), and Mr. Ivan Chabibilah (ICCCM), the session focused on designing future programs to strengthen ASEAN-Vietnam academic collaboration. Key topics included aligning proposed initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality), while ensuring compatibility with Islamic values. No formal agreements were signed, as the meeting primarily served as a brainstorming session to outline actionable plans for implementation in 2025–2026.
A central proposal discussed was the development of a hybrid seminar or webinar series connecting ASEAN and Vietnamese academics around themes such as women’s leadership, sustainable development, and Islamic scholarship. These events would precede a larger women-focused cultural festival tentatively scheduled for September 2025, featuring competitions like short-video making and singing contests to celebrate cultural diversity. While these plans remain conceptual, ICCCM pledged to support event logistics and promotional efforts once institutional approvals are secured. The International Office will draft detailed proposals for both initiatives, prioritizing feasibility and alignment with UINSSC’s mission.
Beyond events, the meeting explored strategies for establishing formal partnerships between UINSSC and Vietnamese academic institutions. Siti Nurkhaleeda highlighted ICCCM’s role in facilitating co-issued certificates for collaborative programs, which could include joint research projects, faculty exchanges, and mentorship opportunities for women scholars. The council also proposed launching joint research grants and leadership workshops tailored to early-career female academics in ASEAN and Vietnam, though funding mechanisms and timelines remain under discussion. Participants acknowledged Vietnam’s robust network of female scholars as a key asset, stressing the importance of leveraging this expertise to advance gender equity in higher education. However, no binding agreements were finalized, as both parties agreed to conduct further feasibility studies before proceeding.
Vietnam’s academic landscape emerged as a recurring theme, with Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. praising its “dynamic integration of technology and traditional pedagogy.” The meeting explored how UINSSC could adapt Vietnamese universities’ digital innovation strategies while preserving Islamic educational principles. Discussions also highlighted Vietnam’s success in balancing cultural preservation with modernization, a model that resonated with UINSSC’s mission to harmonize Islamic teachings with contemporary knowledge. However, no concrete partnerships were announced, as participants agreed to prioritize gradual implementation over rapid expansion. The International Office will lead efforts to identify target institutions and draft Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the coming months.
Central to the discussion was the role of SDG-aligned research in enhancing UINSSC’s global reputation. Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. reiterated the importance of measurable contributions to global challenges, stating, “Our initiatives must not only empower women but also demonstrate our commitment to socially impactful scholarship.” The team outlined plans to integrate SDGs into future programs, drawing inspiration from Malaysia’s success in linking academic research to sustainability goals. Proposed strategies include publishing co-authored papers in Scopus-indexed journals, organizing SDG-focused symposiums, and developing English-taught programs to attract international students. These efforts aim to improve UINSSC’s standing in global university rankings, which increasingly prioritize research impact and institutional diversity.
Moving forward, UINSSC’s International Office will act as the primary liaison, coordinating logistics, funding, and academic content for proposed initiatives. The team emphasized the need for clear timelines and measurable outcomes, with initial steps including the drafting of a framework for the September festival and webinar series. Siti Nurkhaleeda underscored the importance of viewing the partnership as “a legacy of solidarity and mutual growth,” urging patience and adaptability in navigating bureaucratic and cultural complexities. Capacity-building workshops for faculty and mentorship programs for students were also proposed to ensure readiness for global engagement. Updates on progress will be shared publicly once institutional approvals are finalized.
The meeting concluded with optimism, as all parties reaffirmed their dedication to amplifying women’s voices through education. With Vietnam’s expertise in sustainable development, ICCCM’s grassroots networks, and UINSSC’s international reach, the alliance aims to reshape regional academic landscapes through gradual, sustainable collaboration. While no formal agreements were signed, the session marked a critical step toward fostering ASEAN-Vietnam academic solidarity rooted in gender equity and Islamic values. As Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. noted, “When women lead, communities thrive, and this dialogue is just the beginning.” The proposed initiatives remain in the planning stage, with implementation contingent on securing resources and approvals.
Authors: Cahya Salsabilla and Resa Diah Gayatri