UMY Leads the Way in Advancing Educational Diplomacy Across Asia with Successful Vietnam Visit
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), a leading institution in Indonesia, has once again demonstrated its commitment to international collaboration by embarking on a strategic visit to Vietnam from February 24 to February 27, 2025. The visit, aimed at expanding UMY’s presence and influence across Southeast Asia, focused on fostering educational diplomacy and forging partnerships with top academic institutions in Vietnam. The delegation, led by Fitri Arofiati, Director of Office of Cooperation and International Affairs (OCIA), sought to enhance UMY’s role as a leader in education within Asia.
The UMY team, which included Imam Suprabowo, Head of the Admissions Bureau, two staff members, and two Vietnamese students from UMY, worked on introducing the university’s programs to prospective Vietnamese students and establishing potential collaborative agreements with several universities. The visit was also a key opportunity to showcase UMY’s growing reputation as a higher education institution dedicated to academic excellence and international cooperation.
One of the main highlights of the trip was the engagement with the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Ho Chi Minh City. UMY’s leadership was warmly received by Consul General Agustaviano Sofjan, who underscored the importance of expanding educational cooperation between Indonesia and Vietnam. The discussions centered on strengthening ties in education through student exchanges, research collaboration, and academic partnerships, further positioning UMY as a leading force in promoting Indonesian education throughout Asia.
Despite the complexities posed by strict regulations on foreign visits in Vietnam, the UMY delegation successfully met with several prestigious institutions, including Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine and The Saigon International University. These discussions were instrumental in exploring various forms of collaboration, including joint research initiatives, student exchanges, and faculty partnerships. The meetings reinforced UMY’s strategic position in Asia, as both Vietnamese universities expressed great interest in establishing long-term, mutually beneficial ties with the Indonesian university.
The visit to Pham Ngoc Thach University, specifically to discuss healthcare and nursing education collaboration, proved fruitful. Dr. Dang Tran Ngoc Thanh, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, expressed interest in partnering with UMY to create opportunities for joint research and academic programs. Similarly, The Saigon International University, known for its international accreditations, showed keen interest in building partnerships in various fields, particularly business and engineering. Both universities recognized the value of UMY’s academic offerings and were eager to strengthen ties for future academic collaboration.
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UMY’s leadership also engaged with local communities during the visit, ensuring its educational mission reached beyond university walls. The delegation visited Masjid Al Rahim, the largest mosque in Ho Chi Minh City, where they distributed informational materials on UMY’s scholarships and programs. The engagement with local community leaders marked an important step in broadening UMY’s impact in the region. UMY also took time to explore the cultural and historical significance of the city, underscoring its role not only as an academic institution but also as a key player in fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.
This visit to Vietnam is another key milestone in UMY’s ongoing efforts to position itself as a leading educational institution in Asia. The university’s proactive approach to international engagement, particularly in Southeast Asia, is helping to shape its global reputation. The discussions with key Vietnamese institutions have laid the groundwork for future collaborations, with UMY planning to revisit Vietnam in the coming months to continue the momentum.
About Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta
Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) stands as one of Indonesia’s most prominent private universities, consistently ranked among the best in the country. Established in 1981, UMY is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, cultural engagement, and the integration of Islamic values into higher education. The university offers a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines, and it continues to play a leading role in shaping the future of education in Asia.
UMY’s dedication to international collaboration and fostering academic exchanges with leading global institutions reflects its mission to not only provide top-tier education but also contribute to the advancement of knowledge across borders. With an increasing international presence, UMY is proud to offer a transformative educational experience for students from Indonesia and beyond, shaping the future of the next generation of global leaders.