Vice Rector III of UIN SSC, Prof. Dr. Hajam, M.Ag., Champions International Partnership Through Strategic MoU with We One Work (WoW), Malaysia
Cirebon, March 9, 2026 — Prof. Dr. Hajam, M.Ag., Vice Rector III of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon (UIN SSC) delivered the opening address and led the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with We One Work (WoW), Malaysia. The ceremony was held in the Senate Room on the second floor of the UIN SSC’s Rectorate Building and attended by key representatives from both WoW Malaysia and UIN SSC. Among the UIN SSC attendees were Dr. Ayus Ahmad Yusuf, M.Si., (Vice Rector I), Prof. Dr. Hajam, M.Ag., (Vice Rector III), Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. (Director of the International Office), Wahyono, S.Pd.I., M.Pd.I. (Head of the Career Development Center), Dr. Maulidiya Ulfah, M.Pd., (the Institute for Research and Community Service/LP2M), Zainal Arifin, S.Ag. (Head of Academic and General Administration), Dr. Naila Farah, M.Ag. (Dean of FDKI), Dr. Arief Rachman, M.Si. (Vice Dean I of FDKI), Dr. Naeila Rifatul Muna, M.Pd.I. (Vice Dean II of FUA), Dr. Asep Mulyana, M.Si. (Vice Dean III of FITK), and Dr. H. Achmad Otong Busthomi, M.Ag. (Head of the Sharia Economics Department). Representing the rector of UIN SSC, Prof. Dr. Hajam, M.Ag., warmly welcomed the invited guests and expressed the university’s appreciation for the opportunity to establish international collaboration.
Opening the event, Prof. Dr. Hajam, M.Ag. emphasized that universities today must actively cultivate partnerships that bridge academic learning with real-world professional opportunities. According to him, international collaboration plays a vital role in preparing students to navigate an increasingly globalized and digital workforce. He highlighted that UIN SSC continues to strengthen its networks with institutions and organizations that share the same commitment to empowering students. Through such partnerships, the university aims to expand learning experiences beyond the classroom environment. His remarks underscored the importance of cooperation as a foundation for academic growth and innovation.
Prof. Dr. Hajam, M.Ag. further explained that one of the rector’s priority programs at UIN SSC is to encourage students to pursue internships and professional opportunities both within Indonesia and abroad. He noted that the university is continuously seeking strategic partners capable of supporting this mission. “We, as the facilitators for students and are grateful for the collaboration established between UIN SSC and WoW through today’s MoU,” he stated. He added that higher education institutions must actively create pathways that connect students with meaningful professional experiences. By integrating academic learning with practical exposure, students can develop stronger competencies and broader perspectives. This collaboration is therefore viewed as an important step toward preparing globally competitive graduates.
The partnership with WoW Malaysia is particularly relevant to this vision. WOW operates as a gig economy platform designed to support remote and freelance employment opportunities. One of its distinctive strengths lies in its direct engagement with universities and higher education institutions. Through this model, the platform connects students, lecturers, and campus stakeholders to a global professional ecosystem. Participants are able to contribute to professional projects and remote work opportunities while remaining part of the academic community. This integration creates a dynamic bridge between higher education and the evolving digital economy.
Prof. Dr. Hajam, M.Ag. expressed strong enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting its potential to enhance the development and global reach of UIN SSC. He believes that WoW can serve as a strategic platform that strengthens the university’s academic and professional ecosystem. By linking students and lecturers with international networks, the initiative opens new opportunities for skill development and career advancement. Furthermore, it allows the university to broaden its engagement with global partners and professional industries. Such collaboration is expected to contribute positively to the long-term growth and competitiveness of the institution. For this reason, he encouraged all stakeholders to actively support and maximize the benefits of this partnership.
Concluding his remarks, Prof. Dr. Hajam, M.Ag. expressed hope that the MoU would lead to meaningful outcomes. He stressed that collaboration should not remain merely a formal agreement but should evolve into practical and impactful programs. “Hopefully this MoU will be implemented through practical initiatives that benefit our academic community, and we hope that the goals of WoW can work in synergy with UIN SSC,” he said. With this shared commitment, both parties look forward to fostering a productive partnership that empowers students and strengthens international collaboration. The ceremony concluded with the official signing of the MoU followed by a documentation session with all participants.
Author: Salsabilla