The International Office of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon Holds Coordination Meeting with MGMP Teachers and Ciayumajakuning Universities: Promoting Collaboration and Innovation in Global Education
Cirebon, April 29th, 2025 — In a powerful step toward elevating regional education on the world stage, UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon (UIN SSC) brought together leading educators and institutions from across Ciayumajakuning in a strategic Coordination Meeting. The event was attended by key guests, including Dr. Ayus Ahmad Yusuf, M.Si. (Vice Rector 1), Prof. Dr. H. Jamali, M.Ag. (Vice Rector 2), Prof. Dr. H. Hajam, M.Ag. (Vice Rector 3), Mr. Matthew S. Sussman (Flowspeak creator), Mr. Ivan Chabibilah, S.S., M.Li. (ICCCM), Miss Lina (ICCCM partner based in Vancouver, Canada), and faculty members from UIN SSC’s English Education Department: Dra. Hj. Amroh Umaemah, M.Pd., Hendi Hidayat, M.Pd., Dr. Nana Priajana, M.Pd., and Nizar Ibnus, M.Pd.. Representatives from Universitas Kuningan, and Universitas Muhammadiyah Cirebon, as well as school leaders from SMPN 1 Klangenan, SMPN 2 Mundu, SMP NU Darul Maarif, SMAN 1 Lebakwangi, and MA Unggulan Amanatul Ummah 02 also joined the discussion. This event underscored UIN SSC’s mission to foster strengthening collaboration, improving educational quality, and integrating technology and international opportunities into school and madrasah curricula.
Dr. Ayus Ahmad Yusuf, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, mapped out UIN SSC's transformation into a Cyber University—a forward-looking institution that champions paperless, technology-based governance while expanding distance learning programs. He highlighted UIN SSC’s growing international footprint through partnerships with ASEAN countries, Australia, China, Japan, and Germany. “Our transformation is collaborative, not isolated. We’re building this future with educational partners across Ciayumajakuning,” he affirmed.
Meanwhile, Mr. Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., head of the International Office, shared UIN SSC’s international initiatives aimed at raising the university's global standing. Flagship programs like the Global E-Scholar Initiative, Overseas Internship and Professional Development, and the World-Class Lecture Series are helping to cultivate a new generation of globally competent graduates. He also announced the university’s ongoing collaborations with partners such as ICCCM, Asia e-University, and Global Katalyst, and shared exciting news that one of his academic works will soon be published by Springer—marking yet another milestone in the university's international rise.
Matthew S. Sussman, an American educator and creator of the Flow Speak AI platform, shared innovative methods to boost students' confidence in speaking English. Sussman emphasized that AI should complement, rather than replace, teachers in the classroom. He highlighted Flow Speak’s key features, including its ability to provide students with free, flexible, and judgment-free speaking practice environments. The platform also offers teachers free dashboards to monitor student progress in real time, complete with constructive feedback such as “That’s awesome! Try adding more detail.” Additionally, self-reflection prompts like “How do you feel about the lesson?” help learners evaluate their own progress. Sussman stressed the importance of continuous, collaborative learning, stating, “The best approach combines teachers, classrooms, and technology to build students’ confidence in English speaking.”
The meeting continued with a presentation by Miss Lina, a partner from the International Cultural Communication Center Malaysia (ICCCM) based in Vancouver, Canada. She shared information about international internship opportunities in Japan for vocational high school students and graduates. Miss Lina urged educators to prepare students with essential soft skills and cross-cultural communication abilities to thrive in global workplaces. “These opportunities are not just about working abroad but cultivating a global mindset ready to compete and contribute,” she explained. She encouraged teachers to identify and support promising students to seize these career pathways, emphasizing the transformative impact of international exposure on students’ professional and personal growth.
The gathering concluded with a shared vision among stakeholders to strengthen Ciayumajakuning’s educational landscape through innovation and internationalization. UIN SSC’s leadership reiterated its dedication to sustainable, inclusive education, aiming to produce graduates who are nationally competitive and globally impactful. By fostering partnerships, adopting cutting-edge technologies, and prioritizing cross-cultural readiness, the university continues to position itself as a regional leader in transformative education.
With this meeting, UIN SSC has taken a significant step toward building a future where education transcends borders, empowering students and educators to thrive in an interconnected world. The collaborative spirit demonstrated by all participants reflects a collective commitment to shaping a brighter, more equitable educational future for Indonesia’s Ciayumajakuning region.