UAD Hosts Indonesia–Malaysia Benchmarking Seminar to Promote Global Education Collaboration

Yogyakarta, January 26, 2026 — Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD) reaffirmed its role as a globally oriented university by hosting the Benchmarking Seminar and Collaboration Initiatives together with Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarang (Unimus), International Islamic School Malaysia (IISM), and several schools from across Indonesia. The event was held at the Amphitarium Universitas Ahmad Dahlan and was attended by more than 300 participants, ranging from elementary to senior high school levels.

Participants came from various regions, including Yogyakarta, Central Java, West Java, and East Java. The Vice Rector for Academic Affairs of UAD, Sunardi, expressed appreciation for the high enthusiasm shown by the participants and emphasized the importance of collaboration across institutions and countries.

“Welcome to UAD. The presence of more than 300 participants from various regions reflects a shared spirit of learning from one another and collaborating for the advancement of education,” he stated.

The Indonesia–Malaysia collaboration was highlighted as clear evidence that education transcends national boundaries. This was emphasized by Sarjilah, Head of the Nonformal Education Division of Muhammadiyah Regional Leadership of Yogyakarta, who noted that educational progress greatly depends on synergy between universities and teachers as the frontline of learning.

“Educational progress is determined by two key elements: universities and teachers. If both do not move forward together, educational advancement will not be achieved. Therefore, global collaboration is essential for national development,” she explained.

Support for the seminar was also expressed by the Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia in Yogyakarta. Abdul Naim, Head of the Madrasah Education Institutional Affairs Section, hoped that the event would encourage innovation, particularly in strengthening the branding of Madrasah Aliyah graduates so they can pursue higher education, including studying abroad, while also opening opportunities for graduates of IISM.

Meanwhile, Suhirman, representing the Department of Education, Youth, and Sports of Yogyakarta, described the seminar as an extraordinary initiative that could generate significant ideas for the development of education. He encouraged participants to make the most of the forum and explore the various programs presented.

From the Malaysian side, Khaharuddin Abdul Rahman, CEO of International Islamic School Malaysia, emphasized that the collaboration goes beyond the signing of a memorandum of understanding, serving instead as a strategic step toward developing knowledgeable, ethical, and globally competitive generations.

“We are committed to creating an open learning environment and providing opportunities for Indonesian students to participate in student exchange programs and pursue education at IISM Malaysia,” he stated.

Through this seminar, UAD hopes that the synergy between educational institutions in Indonesia and Malaysia will continue to grow and contribute meaningfully to building a high-quality, inclusive, and internationally competitive education system.