Signing of Perjanjian Kerja Sama (PKS) between UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon and Asia e University Malaysia: A Step Towards Twin University and Internationalization of Quality Global Distance Education
UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati—UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, also known as the Cyber Islamic University (CIU), has further strengthened its academic relationship with Asia e University Malaysia through the signing of a Cooperation Agreement/Perjanjian Kerja Sama (PKS) held at the Asia e University campus in Malaysia. This event is a follow-up to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that both universities conducted on May 26, 2024, marking an important step in the development of international collaboration, particularly in the advancement of Distance Education/Pendidikan Jarak Jauh (PJJ). Monday, (October 10, 2024).
The signing of this PKS involves all faculties and graduate programs at both universities, reflecting a strong commitment to building sustainable collaboration. With this agreement, both parties are determined to enhance the quality of education and research through mutually beneficial cooperation, oriented towards the development of knowledge and technology relevant to global needs.
One important point in this PKS is the focus on internationalizing six Distance Education/Pendidikan Jarak Jauh (PJJ) programs at UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon. Currently, in addition to offering on-site education, UINSSC also conducts Distance Education programs for Islamic Education/Pendidikan Agama Islam (PAI), Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Teacher Education/Pendidikan Guru Madrasah Ibtidaiyah (PGMI), History of Islamic Civilization/Sejarah Peradaban Islam (SPI), and Arabic Language Education/Pendidikan Bahasa Arab (PBA) and Islamic Family Law/Hukum Keluarga Islam (HKI). Through this collaboration, it is hoped that a strong synergy will be created between the two institutions to provide a wider range of quality educational programs for students, as well as to enhance the competitiveness of graduates at the international level.
Starting next year, the six PJJ programs will operate as international dual degree programs at the master's level, with a scheme of one year of study at UIN SSC and one year at Asia e University in Malaysia. For the undergraduate programs, students can study for the first three years at UIN SSC and the final year (the fourth year) at Asia e University.
The event was initiated by the International Office and Partnership of UIN SSC, with a delegation flying to Malaysia led by Professor Dr. Jamali (Vice Rector for Academic Affairs and Institutional Transformation at UIN SSC), deans from various faculties at UIN SSC, and the Financial Planning team. All top leaders of Asia e University and the deans also attended to enliven the event.
In his speech, Vice Rector I of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, Professor Dr. Jamali, expressed his hope that the signing of this PKS would serve as a strong bridge for both institutions to establish closer and more productive cooperation. "We believe that through this collaboration, we will not only learn from each other but also exchange valuable experiences in the fields of education and human resource development," he emphasized. He added that this collaboration is essential to provide affordable yet high-quality global educational access, with Asia e University serving as a key reference for UIN SSC in developing this Distance Education/Pendidikan Jarak Jauh (PJJ) program.
Meanwhile, Emeritus Professor Tan Sri Datuk Dr. NIK Mustapha Raja Abdullah, the Rector of Asia e University Malaysia, also emphasized the importance of international collaboration in higher education. "We are very enthusiastic about working with UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon and together developing innovative programs that will bring great benefits to students from both sides," he stated enthusiastically. He explained that this collaboration is not only about the exchange of knowledge but also about creating opportunities for students to access a broader and more diverse learning experience. By combining the academic strengths of both universities, they hope to create an educational environment that supports the development of skills relevant to global needs while strengthening academic networks at the international level.
The signing ceremony of the Cooperation Agreement was enlivened by the International Seminar on Artificial Intelligence in Open, Flexible and Distance Learning (IS-AiOFDL), where the leaders of both universities served as speakers. Additionally, the Financial Planning team was able to conduct international benchmarking related to financial planning standards for globally recognized Distance Education programs.
With the signing of this PKS, UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon and Asia e University Malaysia are ready to establish a closer and more synergistic collaboration. This partnership is expected to position higher education as a strategic means to enhance the quality of competent and innovative human resources, as well as to strengthen inter-university relationships at the global level. Through this collaboration, both institutions are committed to jointly addressing the challenges of future education and opening up access to broader learning opportunities for students, thereby creating a positive impact on society and the world.