UINSSC and ICCCM Forge Strategic Partnership to Elevate Global University Rankings Through International Research Collaboration, Student Diversity Initiatives, and SDG-Aligned Academic Programs in Islamic Scholarship
Cirebon, June 19, 2025 — The International Office of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon (UINSSC) hosted a strategic coordination meeting with the International Cultural Communication Centre Malaysia (ICCCM) to explore collaborations aimed at improving UINSSC’s global university rankings. Attended by Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., Head of the International Office & Partnership; Siti Nurkhaleedea (ITEA ICCCM); and Mr. Ivan Chabibilah (ICCCM), the virtual session focused on leveraging academic networks to strengthen key ranking indicators such as international research output, student and faculty diversity, and institutional reputation. This initiative aligns with UINSSC’s strategic goal to position itself as a competitive Islamic institution in global higher education by addressing measurable benchmarks set by ranking systems like QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education. The meeting emphasized the importance of structured partnerships to enhance visibility, credibility, and impact in international academic circles. Particular attention was given to expanding UINSSC’s influence beyond Southeast Asia, with a focus on Vietnam and ASEAN countries where collaborations could yield high-impact research and cross-cultural engagement. By formalizing joint programs, co-issued certifications, and SDG-aligned initiatives, UINSSC aims to meet the rigorous criteria required for global recognition. The International Office remains committed to ensuring that every partnership directly contributes to improving UINSSC’s standing while preserving its Islamic identity and academic integrity.
University rankings are heavily influenced by international collaboration, research impact, and cross-cultural engagement, areas central to the proposed partnership. Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. emphasized the urgency of expanding UINSSC’s academic footprint beyond Southeast Asia, stating, “Improving our global standing requires measurable contributions to international research, diverse student populations, and partnerships that amplify our visibility.” The collaboration with ICCCM aims to address these metrics by formalizing joint research projects, and co-branded academic certifications. For instance, co-authored publications in Scopus-indexed journals will boost UINSSC’s research citations, a critical factor in global rankings. Additionally, increasing the number of international students and faculty will improve UINSSC’s score in key indicators such as the student-to-international-faculty ratio and global student satisfaction. The meeting also highlighted the role of institutional branding in shaping perceptions, with a focus on showcasing UINSSC’s unique contributions to Islamic scholarship and sustainable development. By aligning initiatives with global standards, UINSSC seeks to not only meet but exceed expectations in international higher education frameworks.
A key priority discussed was enhancing UINSSC’s research output through partnerships with institutions in Vietnam and other ASEAN countries. Siti Nurkhaleedea outlined ICCCM’s role in connecting UINSSC with women-led universities in Vietnam, fostering gender-inclusive research collaborations aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as quality education (SDG 4) and gender equality (SDG 5). Such efforts not only advance UINSSC’s academic mission but also improve its score in research citations and international co-authorship—a critical factor in global rankings. The proposal includes organizing virtual symposiums on Islamic studies and sustainability, with proceedings published in high-impact journals. These events will also serve as platforms for networking, allowing UINSSC researchers to collaborate with peers worldwide. Additionally, ICCCM will assist in developing funding strategies to support long-term research projects, ensuring sustainability and scalability. By focusing on SDG-linked themes, UINSSC aims to demonstrate its relevance to global challenges while reinforcing its commitment to ethical and inclusive scholarship.
Student and faculty diversity were also highlighted as pivotal to ranking improvements. The meeting explored strategies to attract international students, including tailored mobility programs, scholarships for Vietnamese and ASEAN scholars, and expanded English-taught programs. Mr. Ivan Chabibilah stressed the importance of cultural diplomacy in branding UINSSC as a hub for Islamic education, noting, “A diverse campus environment enhances institutional reputation and global appeal.” To support this, UINSSC plans to recruit faculty with international experience, host global internships, and establish mentorship programs for incoming students. The International Office will also work with ICCCM to develop digital storytelling campaigns showcasing UINSSC’s vibrant academic community and unique cultural offerings. These efforts aim to improve UINSSC’s score in reputation surveys conducted by ranking bodies, which often weigh peer and employer assessments heavily. Additionally, the office will prioritize partnerships that generate cross-border capacity-building programs, ensuring long-term benefits for both students and faculty.
To ensure accountability, ICCCM will co-issue official certificates for collaborative activities, adding credibility to UINSSC’s initiatives. Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. underscored the need for structured frameworks, stating, “Every partnership must directly contribute to measurable ranking metrics while staying true to our Islamic values.” The International Office will prioritize collaborations that generate co-authored research, international internships, and cross-border capacity-building programs. Funding strategies and internal alignment with UINSSC’s academic mission were also discussed to guarantee sustainable implementation. A timeline for executing the proposed framework was outlined, with initial pilot projects expected to launch by Q3 2025. Faculty and research centers will be engaged to refine program details and ensure alignment with institutional goals. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to advancing Islamic scholarship through global dialogue while maintaining transparency and mutual respect in all joint endeavors.
Looking ahead, the office will finalize the partnership framework by July 2025, with pilot programs targeting Vietnam’s Islamic universities. Capacity-building workshops for faculty and mentorship opportunities for students will be launched to ensure readiness for global engagement. The collaboration with ICCCM also includes digital storytelling campaigns to highlight UINSSC’s unique contributions to Islamic scholarship, improving institutional branding, a soft metric often evaluated in global rankings. By integrating these efforts, UINSSC aims to balance tradition with innovation while meeting global expectations. The International Office will also prioritize monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track progress and adapt strategies as needed, ensuring long-term success. Plans include annual reviews of partnership impact, with adjustments made based on performance data. Additionally, UINSSC will explore expanding its network to include institutions in the Middle East and Europe, further broadening its global reach.
Ultimately, this partnership marks a transformative step toward UINSSC’s vision of becoming a globally recognized institution. By focusing on research impact, diversity, and strategic branding, the university is addressing the core drivers of university rankings. With a clear roadmap and ICCCM’s support, UINSSC is poised to ascend in international rankings, solidifying its reputation as a leader in Islamic education and global scholarship. As Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. concluded, “Every initiative we undertake today is a step closer to global recognition.” The university’s focus on inclusivity, sustainability, and academic rigor ensures its contributions resonate beyond regional boundaries. As global higher education evolves, UINSSC remains committed to adapting while staying rooted in its Islamic identity. Through sustained effort and strategic foresight, UINSSC aims to become a model for Islamic universities worldwide.
Authors: Nurhusni Yusriyyah Yumna and Resa Diah Gayatri