Building New Partnerships with Asian Foundation for Education and Development at Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta
On February 17, 2025, the Asian Foundation for Education and Development from Cambodia paid a visit to Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta at the AR Fachruddin Commission Room on the 5th floor. The purpose of this visit was to discuss future cooperation, particularly in the realm of community service and social welfare. The Asian Foundation for Education and Development, which has a close relationship with the Cambodian royal family, expressed interest in collaborating with Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta to further community outreach initiatives. The foundation has an established track record of carrying out social welfare activities, including charitable work during Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Dr. Zahri, who serves as a religious advisor to the royal family, was also present as part of the delegation. During the discussions, the possibility of involving Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta faculty members in future community engagement programs, including KKN (Kegiatan Kuliah Kerja Nyata or Community Service), was explored. Furthermore, the Asian Foundation for Education and Development conveyed its plans to promote Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta in Cambodia after December 2025, with a team from Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta set to visit the country for further discussions and outreach. As part of this collaboration, eight Cambodian students with complete documentation were identified to apply for scholarships at Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta. From Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta’s side, the meeting was attended by Idham Badruzaman, Ph.D., Head of the International Relations Division of the Office of Cooperation and International Affairs, and Maria Ulfa, MMR., Ph.D., Head of the Cooperation Division of the Office of Cooperation and International Affairs. The visit marks a promising step forward in strengthening the ties between Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta and the Asian Foundation for Education and Development, with hopes of deepening their partnership in education and community development.
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The discussions also included the potential for academic exchange and collaboration between Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta and various Cambodian institutions through the Asian Foundation for Education and Development. Both parties are keen on fostering a deeper educational partnership, aiming to provide students with international exposure and enhance their academic networks. The possibility of organizing joint seminars, workshops, and conferences was brought up, with the goal of sharing knowledge and promoting mutual understanding between Indonesia and Cambodia. The Asian Foundation for Education and Development emphasized its commitment to supporting educational development, particularly in underprivileged communities, and saw Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta as a key partner in this mission.
Another significant topic addressed during the visit was the development of long-term community-based projects. The collaboration could involve Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta students, particularly those in the KKN program, contributing their expertise to help local communities in Cambodia. This would provide Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta students with an invaluable international experience, while also benefitting the communities involved. The Asian Foundation for Education and Development’s extensive experience in social welfare activities, such as conducting healthcare outreach programs and providing disaster relief, would complement Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta’s educational and community service efforts, creating a platform for positive change.
Both Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta and the Asian Foundation for Education and Development expressed a shared vision of creating sustainable and impactful solutions that not only focus on education but also on broader community development. The future collaboration could result in initiatives aimed at empowering local communities, addressing social issues, and promoting a more inclusive society. With the strong relationship between the Asian Foundation for Education and Development and the Cambodian royal family, coupled with Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta’s academic expertise and commitment to service, the partnership has the potential to make a lasting impact on both countries. The next steps will involve concrete planning and the development of a strategic framework to ensure the success of these initiatives in the coming years.
In addition to the community service projects, both parties also discussed the potential for joint research initiatives that could address pressing social and educational issues faced by both Cambodia and Indonesia. The Asian Foundation for Education and Development’s extensive experience working in diverse regions of Cambodia could provide valuable insights, while Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta’s research capacity in various fields such as education, public health, and sustainable development could help generate actionable solutions. The two institutions agreed to explore ways to combine their resources and expertise, creating research platforms that could benefit both their local communities and the broader Southeast Asian region.
Looking forward, the collaboration is poised to not only benefit the students and communities involved but also to enhance cultural exchange between Cambodia and Indonesia. By working together on both academic and community development projects, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta and the Asian Foundation for Education and Development aim to foster deeper cultural understanding and promote regional solidarity. As plans continue to unfold, both institutions are excited about the opportunity to create meaningful connections, expand their networks, and work together towards shared goals of education, social welfare, and community empowerment. The future looks bright for this promising partnership between Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta and the Asian Foundation for Education and Development.