10 June 2025 | Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia
Through the UMPSA25 Strategic Plan, internationalization is one of the strategic objectives to enhance the academic quality of the university and to increase the number of postgraduate students. As part of a proactive approach, bilateral cooperation between UMPSA and international institutions is crucial to support the promotion of postgraduate programs (coursework and research mode), as well as the promotion of credit mobility and remote PhD program.
The GET-BS team, led by Dr Mohd Hanafiah Ahmad and his team, Associate Professor Dr Lee Chia Kuang, Dr Noraina Mazuin Sapuan and Dr Khairunnisa Abd Aziz. The team took this opportunity to establish collaborative ties with several leading universities in Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia. Cooperation between GET-BS and six universities in Padang has the potential to expand into areas such as postgraduate student recruitment, joint publications, research collaboration, and faculty as well as student exchanges.
This visit is expected to open up broader collaborative opportunities between GET-BS, FIM, and UMPSA and universities in Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia. Through this initiative, GET-BS aims to elevate UMPSA’s standing in the World University Rankings by increasing postgraduate enrolment and research output. During the visit, the delegation met and engaged with six universities in the city of Padang, the largest city in West Sumatra, Indonesia.
Day 1 (Monday – 10 June 2024)
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Universitas Andalas (8.00 AM – 1.00 PM)
The UMPSA delegation was welcomed by Dr. Endrizal Ridwan, S.E., M.Ec., Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Andalas, together with Dr. Ma’ruf, SE, M.Bus, M.Phil., Deputy Dean and Head of Undergraduate and Postgraduate Studies. Currently, UMPSA and Universitas Andalas have an active MoU (October 2023 – October 2028). Various collaborative opportunities were discussed, including research grants, mobility programs, Mini MBA, and other initiatives beneficial to both institutions. Discussions concluded at 12.30 PM.
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Universitas Islam Negeri Imam Bonjol (2.00 PM – 5.00 PM)
The delegation was welcomed at the Faculty of Economics and Islamic Business by Dr. Davy Hendri, SE, M.Si. (Vice Dean for Student Affairs and Collaboration) and Dr. Rozalinda, M.Ag. (Vice Dean for Academic and Institutional Affairs). Multiple collaboration agendas were discussed to strengthen bilateral ties.
Day 2 (Tuesday – 11 June 2024)
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Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP) (8.00 AM – 1.00 PM)
The delegation was welcomed by Prof. Perengki Susanto, SE, M.Sc, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business, UNP, along with Dr. Abror (Deputy Dean), Tri Kurniawati (Head of Economics Education Dept.), Rita Syofyan (Lecturer), and Rani Soflra (Secretary of Department). UMPSA has an MoU with UNP (October 2023 – October 2028). The visit explored collaboration in research grants, mobility, Mini MBA, and other areas. The meeting concluded at 1.00 PM.
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Universitas Bung Hatta (2.00 PM – 5.00 PM)
The delegation was received by Temmy Thamrin, S.S., M.Hum., Ph.D. (Head of Cooperation), Dr. Erni Febrina Harahap, SE., M.Si. (Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business), Dr. Reni Yuliviona, SE., M.M. (Postgraduate Program Head in Management), along with other faculty members. The discussion centered on strengthening academic and research partnerships.
Day 3 (Wednesday – 12 June 2024)
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Universitas Putra Indonesia (8.00 AM – 1.00 PM)
The UMPSA delegation was welcomed by Prof. Dr. H. Sarjon Defit, S.Kom, M.Sc. (Rector), Dr. Jhon Veri, S.Kom, MM, M.Kom. (Vice Rector IV), along with faculty deans, deputy deans, and heads of programs. UMPSA currently holds an MoU with Universitas Putra Indonesia (October 2023 – October 2028). Discussions explored joint research, mobility, Mini MBA, and other initiatives to strengthen higher education quality.
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Universitas Baiturrahmah (2.00 PM – 5.00 PM)
The delegation were welcomed by Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Ir. Syafrimen Yasin, M.S, M.Sc. (Vice Rector I), Dr. drg. Yulia Rahmad, M.Kes. (Head of Public Relations and Collaboration Bureau), and program heads. Both universities discussed opportunities for impactful collaboration.
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Universitas Fort De Kock Bukittinggi (8.00 PM – 10.00 PM)
At the request of Universitas Fort De Kock, the delegation held a late evening meeting led by Dr. Evi Hasnita, Rector. The discussion focused on potential cooperation in teaching and research.
UMPSA currently has three active MoUs with Universitas Andalas, Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP), and Universitas Putra Indonesia, while four other universities also demonstrated strong potential for formal agreements. The identified areas of collaboration include mobility programs for undergraduate and postgraduate students, joint research and publications with matching grants, visiting professorships, corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, journal publication workshops, joint seminars and conferences, Mini MBA programs, as well as knowledge-sharing through Global Classroom initiatives.