Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) continues to strengthen its international network through a series of academic visits to several universities in New Zealand from May 26 to 27, 2026. During the visit, UMS explored various collaboration opportunities with the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT), University of Otago, and University of Waikato in the areas of academic development, research, publication, and human resource development.
The international visit was led by UMS Rector Prof. Dr. Harun Joko Prayitno, M.Hum., accompanied by Vice Rector II for Finance, Investment, and Assets, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Da'i, S.Si, Apt, M.Si., and the Head of the Master of Islamic Economic Law program, Dr. Isman, S.H.I., S.H., M.H.
In the meeting with Southern Institute of Technology, both parties discussed international cooperation opportunities including the development of PTE and Test Centers New Zealand, piloting the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme, joint conferences, journal editorial collaboration, and invited reviewer academic prospective.
"The cooperation also opens up opportunities for joint implementation with BIM University Bali. The agenda also involved Head of International Office SIT, Riza Ambadar, Ph.D. and his international team," Harun said on Tuesday (26/5/2026).
The UMS delegation was also received by academics from the University of Otago, including Associate Professor Htin Lin Aung, Dr. Nisa Widyastuti, and Professor Haizal Hussaini, to discuss collaboration in academic development, human resources, research, and international publications.
Meanwhile, the UMS academic visit to the University of Waikato on May 27, 2026 marked a strategic step in expanding the international cooperation network in education and academic exchange. The UMS delegation was received directly by Vice Chancellor Neil Quigley along with Sharon Calvert, Margaret Anderson, Susan Olivia, and Steven Lillis.
In a separate interview, UMS Vice Rector II Muhammad Da'i explained that the University of Waikato expressed interest in establishing cooperation with UMS, particularly in academic staff exchange, student exchange, and human resource development for doctoral studies through various scholarship sources.
"The University of Waikato is interested in cooperating on academic staff exchange, student exchange, and human resource development for doctoral studies through various scholarship sources," he said on Thursday (28/5/2026).
The University of Waikato also introduced its new medical faculty, which is the third medical faculty in New Zealand. University of Waikato Medical Education Advisor Steven Lillis warmly welcomed the prospect of collaboration with UMS, particularly in the academic field through joint lecture programs and staff exchange.
This cooperation underlines how strengthening international collaboration has become a strategic step for the university in enhancing its global reputation while building an academically competitive ecosystem.
Writer: Maysali Sudarwati, Fika Annisa Sholihah
Editor: Genis Dwi Gustati
Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid
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