Transforming Graduate Readiness at UINSSC Through Strategic Collaboration with OneWork Solutions Malaysia, Expanding Opportunities in Digital Freelancing, Skills Evaluation, and Global Career Pathways
Cirebon, March 9, 2026 — Universitas Islam Negeri Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon (UIN SSC) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with OneWork Solutions Sdn Bhd, a Malaysia-based company located in Cyberjaya, Selangor, on 9 March 2026. This strategic collaboration aims to strengthen graduate readiness by connecting academic learning with practical professional opportunities in the global digital economy. Through this partnership, students will gain access to digital freelancing opportunities, skill evaluation systems, and career-matching platforms designed to support their transition from university to professional environments. OneWork Solutions Sdn Bhd operates as a digital platform within the growing gig economy sector, offering services such as online skills assessment, freelancing opportunities, and professional career pathways for students and young professionals.
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by senior academics of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, including Dr. Ayus Ahmad Yusuf, M.Si., Vice Rector I for Academic Affairs; Prof. Dr. H. Jamali, M.Ag., Vice Rector II 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 Affairs; Dr. Jaja Suteja, M.Pd.I., Vice Dean II of the Faculty of Dakwah and Islamic Communication (FDKI); Dr. Asep Mulyana, M.Si., Vice Dean III of the Faculty of Education and Teacher Training (FITK); Dr. Hj. Dewi Fatmasari, M.Si., Vice Dean II of the Faculty of Islamic Economics and Business (FEBI); Dr. Naila Farah, M.Ag., Dean of FDKI; Dr. Naeila Rifatul Muna, M.Pd.I., Vice Dean II of the Faculty of Ushuluddin and Adab (FUA); Wahyono, S.Pd.I., M.Pd.I., Head of the Career Development Unit; 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 the Department of HES/HTN; Rijal Mahdi, M.A., Head of the Department of BSA; and Dr. H. Achmad Otong Busthomi, M.Ag., Head of the Department of Sharia Economics. Representatives from OneWork Solutions included Amir Haziq Hafidz, Noormaizi, Fathurrahman Mahfudz, Prof. Dr. Akhmad Affandi, Adzmi Kusyairy, Siti Nor Aini, and Atta Ullah. Their presence underscored the commitment of both institutions to foster sustainable synergy in improving student competencies, career readiness, and international employment opportunities.
In many higher education institutions, one of the key challenges faced by graduates is the gap between academic knowledge and the rapidly evolving demands of the professional world. Many graduates possess strong theoretical foundations but often lack practical exposure to global digital work environments. Recognizing this challenge, universities are increasingly seeking innovative partnerships with industry actors to bridge this gap. The collaboration between UIN SSC and OneWork Solutions Malaysia represents a proactive step toward addressing these issues by integrating digital career preparation into the academic ecosystem.
During the discussion session, representatives from OneWork Solutions emphasized the importance of creating sustainable opportunities for students to build professional experience while still pursuing their studies. Amir Haziq Hafidz highlighted the broader impact of the platform, stating that “participants can generate income through multiplier effects, while lecturers may also receive international certification based on their professional expertise.” This approach reflects the growing global trend of combining higher education with flexible digital work opportunities, allowing students to develop both technical competencies and entrepreneurial mindsets.
Further elaborating on the program, Prof. Dr. Akhmad Affandi explained that the platform is designed as a gig education ecosystem that integrates learning with real-world professional engagement. He noted that “WoW aims to develop a gig-based education platform that emphasizes high educational value while preparing students for professional opportunities.” The platform provides two primary services: digital freelancing opportunities that allow students to build portfolios and earn income, and AI-based skills tests that help measure students’ competencies and readiness for global employment markets.
Atta Ullah also outlined the implementation strategy for the program, which includes a structured referral system, lecturer involvement, and a monitoring mechanism that tracks student participation and progress. According to him, “the implementation of this platform includes a structured referral code system and monitoring mechanisms to track student engagement and ensure the success of the program.” This system allows universities to observe the effectiveness of the collaboration and continuously improve the program to better support student development.
The collaboration between UIN SSC and OneWork Solutions Malaysia is expected to create a multiplier effect that strengthens the competitiveness of graduates in the global workforce. By combining academic excellence with digital career opportunities, the partnership aims to cultivate graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also adaptable, technologically skilled, and globally connected. Head of the International Office at UIN SSC, Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., stated that “the visit of OneWork Solutions to UIN SSC marks an important initial step in strengthening academic collaboration and opening broader opportunities for future partnerships.” Through this initiative, both institutions hope to contribute to the development of a more dynamic and globally oriented higher education ecosystem.
Author: Muhammad Azkiya Bahtsulkhoir