UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon and University of Mindanao Digos College Establish Strategic Memorandum of Understanding to Advance Joint Research, Academic Mobility, and Innovation in ASEAN Higher Education
Cirebon, August 5, 2025 – Universitas Islam Negeri Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon (UINSSC) has officially cemented a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Mindanao Digos College (UMDC), Philippines, via a virtual ceremony. This landmark agreement marks the beginning of a collaborative journey expected to unlock new opportunities for academic and research development at both institutions. The solemn ceremony was attended by high-level delegations from UINSSC, led personally by the Rector, Prof. Dr. H. Aan Jaelani, M.Ag., alongside key institutional leaders who underscored the significance of this international milestone.
Representing UINSSC were distinguished figures including Vice Rector 1 for Academic Affairs, Dr. Ayus Ahmad Yusuf, M.Si.; Vice Rector 2 for Planning, Finance, and General Affairs, Prof. Dr. H. Jamali, M.Ag.; Head of the Research and Community Service Institute/Lembaga Penelitian dan Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat (LP2M), Prof. Dr. Hj. Ria Yulia Gloria, M.Pd.; Director of the International Office, Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., accompanied by International Office Secretary, Ivo Dinasta Yuniar, S.S., M.Appling.; Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Islamic Business/ Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis Islam (FEBI), Dr. H. Didi Sukardi, M.H.; and Vice Dean of FEBI, Dr. Hj. Dewi Fatmasari, M.Si. The presence of these senior leaders demonstrates the critical importance of this collaboration for the institution's global advancement and reflects UINSSC's unwavering commitment to building sustainable international networks.
The University of Mindanao delegation was led by Vice President for Grant Operations, Tessie G. Miralles, Ph.D., along with Eva Marie Sam as HR Program Coordinator, Ana Mae Monteza from the Department of Future Education specializing in English programs, and additional representatives including Freddy C. Navarro, MBA, DBM., Donna S. Lubalan, Hanna Maruhom, and Lyka Trisha Sagolili. Established in 1946, the University of Mindanao Digos College stands as a prominent institution in southern Philippines with multiple campuses across the Mindanao region. With a strong reputation in education, business, information technology, and language studies, UMDC brings significant contributions to international academic networks and is recognized for its commitment to accessible, affordable quality education. The institution's long-standing presence in the region has made it a cornerstone of educational development in Mindanao.
This partnership is built upon a shared vision for academic excellence, cultural transformation, and mutually beneficial growth. The MoU encompasses diverse areas of cooperation including student mobility, faculty exchange, visiting scholar appointments, joint research initiatives, collaborative publications, co-supervision arrangements, and joint conference organization. These comprehensive collaboration areas emphasize that this partnership represents a strategic move to expand academic horizons and strengthen UINSSC's position in the international educational landscape. The agreement framework ensures that both institutions can leverage each other's strengths while maintaining their unique institutional identities and ensuring sustainable financial and operational support.
Prof. Dr. H. Aan Jaelani, M.Ag., Rector of UINSSC, articulated a philosophical perspective on the importance of international educational collaboration during his address. "We believe that education is not confined by borders, but rather enriches cross-international cooperation," he stated, emphasizing that authentic education transcends geographical boundaries and strengthens inter-national relationships. Meanwhile, the University of Mindanao welcomed this collaboration enthusiastically, expressing their commitment to enhancing research, consultancy, and scholarly publications. As an institution with established partnerships, UMDC views the MoU with UINSSC as a strategic step toward expanding their academic network and creating meaningful international educational experiences that benefit both student and faculty communities.
The formalization of this MoU represents more than a diplomatic symbol between two higher education institutions, it signifies the beginning of a series of programs that will yield tangible impacts on future human resource development. With the agreed framework in place, both parties will develop detailed implementation agreements covering confidentiality, intellectual property protection, dispute resolution, and other essential provisions. The ceremony concluded with warm expressions of goodwill from both sides, marking the commencement of a promising collaborative journey that holds significant potential for educational advancement throughout the ASEAN region. This partnership is expected to serve as a model for other institutions seeking to build inclusive and sustainable educational networks that benefit diverse academic communities while ensuring proper financial management and strategic planning oversight.
Authors: Resa Diah Gayatri, Cindi Aulia and Azizatul Fikriyah Al Qory