International Seminar Expands Academic Network of Unismuh Makassar - UPSI Malaysia

UNISMUH.AC.ID, MAKASSAR – The Muhammadiyah University (Unismuh) Makassar, along with Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Malaysia, are strengthening academic cooperation through an international seminar on the theme "Transformation of Language Education in the Digital and Global Era," which took place at the Faculty of Human Development (FPM) UPSI, Tanjong Malim, Malaysia, Monday, June 29, 2026.

The event involved eight lecturers and 22 students from the Master of Indonesian Language and Literature Postgraduate Program (MPBSI) at Unismuh Makassar, as part of an international collaboration in research and community service.

The seminar featured three keynote speakers, namely Dean of FPM UPSI Prof. Dr. Abdul Talib Bin Mohamed Hashim, Vice Rector I of Unismuh Makassar Prof. Dr. H. Andi Sukri Syamsuri, M.Hum., and Director of Academic Affairs and Alumni of Universitas Muhammadiyah (Unismuh) Makassar Prof. Dr. Dra. Munirah, M.Pd. Through this forum, the two universities are striving to strengthen academic networks, enhance research collaboration, and open up broader institutional cooperation opportunities at the international level.

Academic Collaboration Strengthens International Networks

In her presentation, Prof. Dr. Dra. Munirah, M.Pd., one of the lecturers in the Master of Indonesian Language and Literature Postgraduate Program at Universitas Muhammadiyah (Unismuh) Makassar, emphasized that the transformation of language education in the digital era must be accompanied by strengthening cross-country collaboration. According to her, universities are no longer sufficient to simply master technology, but they must also be able to build strategic partnerships to improve the quality of education.

"International collaboration is a necessity for universities to improve the quality of education, research, and community service," said Munirah.

Munirah explained that international collaboration is an important instrument in addressing global challenges in the field of language education. She believes that the exchange of ideas, experiences, and best practices between institutions will enrich the learning process and improve academic outcomes.

"We hope that this partnership will continue in the form of joint research, international publications, academic exchanges, as well as strengthening the capacity of lecturers and students," said Munirah.

Internationalization as a Strategy for Unismuh Development

Furthermore, Munirah explained that this collaboration is part of the Unismuh Postgraduate strategy to expand international networks and enhance the competitiveness of graduates. According to her, sustained cooperation will open up more opportunities for lecturers and students to participate in global academic activities.

Seminar as the Beginning of a Sustainable Program

The presence of Prof. Munirah as a keynote speaker in the seminar was a follow-up to an official invitation from FPM UPSI, dated June 9, 2026, with reference number UPSI/FPM/JPP/478. In the letter, UPSI expressed the hope that Prof. Munirah's experience in leadership and international collaboration would enrich the academic discussions during the seminar.

This international seminar is one of the collaborative programs between Unismuh and UPSI, which combines scientific activities, research, and community service. The participation of eight lecturers and 22 MPBSI postgraduate students from Unismuh Makassar demonstrates the institution's commitment to expanding students' academic experience through international networks.

Through this collaboration, the two universities hope to produce a range of follow-up programs, including collaborative research, internationally reputable scientific publications, faculty and student exchanges, as well as the development of adaptive language learning innovations in response to digital technological developments. This is expected to further strengthen the positions of Unismuh and UPSI as strategic partners in the development of higher education in Southeast Asia.