Vice Rector I Introduces Unismuh Makassar in Malaysia, Encourages Collaboration with UPSI

UNISMUH.AC.ID, MAKASSAR – Professor Dr. H. Andi Sukri Syamsuri, M.Hum., known as Prof. Andis, Vice Rector I of Universitas Muhammadiyah (Unismuh) Makassar, introduced Unismuh Makassar at the International Seminar on "Transformation of Language Education in the Digital and Global Era" held at the Faculty of Human Development (FPM) of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Tanjong Malim, Malaysia, on Monday, June 29, 2026.

Prof. Andis's presence as a keynote speaker was part of Unismuh Makassar's efforts to expand its international academic network, particularly in the fields of language education, research, publication, and community service.

The international seminar was attended by lecturers and students from the Master of Indonesian Language and Literature (MPBSI) Postgraduate Program at Unismuh Makassar. Some of the lecturers present included the Director of Postgraduate Studies at Unismuh Makassar, Prof. Dr. Dra. Munirah, M.Pd., Prof. Dr. Nurlina Subair, M.Si., Dr. Andi Paida, M.Pd., as Head of the S2 Indonesian Language Education Program, Dr. Muh. Akhir, M.Pd., Dr. Muh. Agus, M.Pd., and Dr. Haslinda, M.Pd., along with S2 Indonesian Language and Literature students.

The presence of the Unismuh Makassar delegation at UPSI was part of the implementation of the three pillars of higher education, or in the context of Muhammadiyah universities, known as the Four Pillars, which include education, research, community service, and the strengthening of Islam and Muhammadiyah.

During his presentation, Prof. Andis introduced Unismuh Makassar as one of the Muhammadiyah universities in South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. He explained that Makassar is a strategic city in the eastern region of Indonesia, with relatively easy air access from Malaysia.

"Our university is Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar. This campus is located in South Sulawesi Province, on the island of Sulawesi. From Malaysia, access to Makassar is quite fast, either by direct flight or through Jakarta or Surabaya," said Prof. Andis.

He explained that this accessibility is an important asset in building academic collaboration between Unismuh Makassar and UPSI. He mentioned that the journey from Malaysia to Makassar can take about three hours by direct flight.

UNISMUH Strengthens Education and Postgraduate Studies

Prof. Andis also explained that Unismuh Makassar has several faculties, one of which is the Faculty of Teacher Education and Education (FKIP), which is an important part of developing education in eastern Indonesia.

In addition, at the postgraduate level, Unismuh has programs of study in the field of education, including the Master of Indonesian Language and Literature (MPBSI) program. This program is one of the driving forces for academic collaboration with UPSI.

"Unismuh Makassar has a faculty of education and also at the postgraduate level there is a language education program. Because of this, cooperation with UPSI is very relevant, especially in strengthening language education in the digital and global era," said Prof. Andis.

He stated that language education cannot be understood only as teaching language structure, but must be related to technological development, cross-cultural communication, and global needs.

Long-Standing Network with the Education World

In this forum, Prof. Andis also mentioned his experience leading the faculty before becoming Vice Rector I of Unismuh Makassar. He said that the academic network in the field of education has been built for a long time through communication with various institutions.

"Before becoming Vice Rector, I had been a dean for about 10 years, from 2006 to 2015. During that time, we built a lot of communication and academic networks, including with educational institutions abroad," he said.

This experience, he said, is one of the important foundations for Unismuh Makassar to continue expanding international cooperation. According to him, higher education must be open to cross-country collaboration in order to be able to answer the changing educational challenges.

Prof. Andis added that collaboration between Unismuh and UPSI is not only important for lecturers but also for students. Through international collaboration, students can gain broader academic experience, get to know different scientific traditions, and build confidence in a global forum.

Promote Research and Academic Exchange

In addition to Prof. Andis, this forum also featured the Dean of FPM UPSI, Prof. Dr. Abdul Talib Bin Mohamed Hashim, and the Director of Postgraduate Studies at Unismuh Makassar, Prof. Dr. Dra. Munirah, M.Pd., as keynote speakers.

Through this forum, Unismuh Makassar and UPSI encourage strengthening collaboration in the form of collaborative research, scientific publications, faculty and student exchange, and the development of digital language learning innovation.

Prof. Andis hopes that this international seminar will not only be a ceremonial activity, but will become a gateway for sustainable programs between the two universities.

"This kind of collaboration needs to be continued. We hope there will be joint research, joint publications, academic exchange, and other programs that will provide real benefits for lecturers, students, and institutions," he said.

This activity is part of Unismuh Makassar's internationalization strategy to strengthen its academic reputation in Southeast Asia. Through collaboration with UPSI, Unismuh hopes to continue expanding its contribution in developing adaptive language education in line with the times.