Discussion on Potential Reputation Enhancement Through Collaboration with Asia Pacific University (APU), Malaysia
Author: Rabiatul Adawiyah
Samarinda, 19 August 2026 – Universitas Muhammadiyah Kalimantan Timur (UMKT) held an online meeting with the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), Malaysia on Wednesday (19/08/2026). Conducted via Zoom Meeting, the session marked an initial step toward exploring strategic collaboration opportunities aimed at strengthening the international reputation of both institutions.
The discussion covered various areas of potential collaboration that could be developed sustainably, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), strengthening international networks, academic and research partnerships, as well as initiatives that support international rankings such as QS Rankings, AppliedHE Rankings, and THE Impact Rankings.
During the meeting, Ts. Nur Zahdi Aldin, Director of Quality Management, Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU), shared insights into the latest developments in QS ranking policies, which increasingly emphasize the importance of genuine, active, and sustainable international collaborations. Consequently, both institutions agreed to identify common academic and research interests as a foundation for developing collaborative programs that will benefit the academic communities of both universities.
In addition, opportunities for collaboration in the areas of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), academic activities, research, capacity building, and industry engagement were also discussed. UMKT, through its Office of Cooperation and International Affairs (OCIA), will continue further coordination to formulate concrete and implementable forms of collaboration.
Through this meeting, UMKT and APU Malaysia expressed their commitment to building a productive and sustainable international partnership that contributes positively to the enhancement of higher education quality, the strengthening of global reputation, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).