
Politeknik Negeri Jember (Polije) was honored to participate in the Town Hall Meeting organized by Management and Science University (MSU), Malaysia, held online via Zoom on June 12, 2025. The event, titled “MSU Collaboration”, was a significant step towards fostering deeper academic and institutional ties between MSU and various polytechnics across Indonesia.
Representing Polije at the meeting was the team from the Office of International Affairs, who actively engaged in discussions on a wide range of collaboration opportunities. Their attendance highlighted Polije’s strong commitment to international engagement and strategic partnership building, particularly in the Southeast Asian higher education landscape.
The Town Hall Meeting brought together delegates from 18 polytechnics in Indonesia, aiming to explore potential collaborations in academic development, student exchange, double degree programs, guest lectures, and joint research initiatives. The event served as a strategic platform to strengthen ties between Indonesian polytechnics and MSU.
Professor Dr. Indang Ariati Ariffin, Vice President for International Affairs at MSU, opened the meeting by emphasizing the importance of global cooperation in education. She expressed MSU’s enthusiasm in welcoming Indonesian institutions into closer partnerships that benefit both students and academic staff.
The agenda of the meeting covered critical areas such as the renewal and implementation of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and Agreements (MoAs), curriculum mapping for double degree programs, student mobility, and issues related to enrollment and promotion. These topics are crucial for ensuring the success and sustainability of future partnerships.
Polije’s Office of International Affairs expressed appreciation for the meeting, noting that it provided valuable insights into how international collaborations could be optimized, especially through MSU’s Global Mobility Program (GMP), Global Leadership Program (GLP), and Global Internship Program (GIP). These initiatives offer meaningful global exposure to students.
In addition to student-centered programs, the meeting also highlighted opportunities for Polije lecturers and staff to pursue advanced studies at MSU. These include Master’s and Doctoral programs that align with the professional development goals of Indonesian polytechnic educators.
The session also touched on collaborative research opportunities, including joint supervision, co-publications, and research colloquia. These prospects were particularly exciting for Polije, which aims to expand its international research footprint through strategic global alliances.
With the conclusion of the Town Hall Meeting, Polije looks forward to formalizing and implementing collaborative programs with MSU. This engagement reinforces Polije’s vision of becoming a globally connected institution and enhancing the academic and professional development of its community through meaningful international cooperation. (rda)