Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) and Open University Malaysia (OUM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on international education cooperation. The MoU was signed directly by UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd., and President and Vice-Chancellor of Open University Malaysia, YBhg. Prof. Dato’ Dr. Ahmad Izanee Awang, in a hybrid ceremony on Tuesday (July 28).
President and Vice-Chancellor of Open University Malaysia Prof. Ahmad Izanee expressed his appreciation for the partnership with UMSU. According to him, the current development of the academic landscape presents numerous opportunities to establish more flexible education systems through online and distance learning.
“At OUM, we have implemented online and distance learning systems. In this new academic landscape, we see that this education model is highly promising and offers many opportunities for us to explore together. Let us make this partnership an opportunity and a first step toward greater collaboration. We greatly appreciate UMSU’s participation,” said Prof. Ahmad Izanee Awang.
Meanwhile, UMSU Rector Prof. Akrim welcomed the partnership and said that collaboration with OUM would provide significant benefits for the university’s internationalization efforts, particularly in joint research, student exchanges, and various other academic programs.
“We are very pleased and proud to collaborate with Open University Malaysia. This open partnership will provide many benefits, including joint research, student exchange, and various other programs,” said Prof. Akrim.
He added that UMSU has several areas of potential collaboration with OUM, particularly through the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FKIK), which is currently seeking recognition from the Medical Council. In addition, UMSU is also developing a distance learning system, which aligns closely with OUM’s experience and expertise.
“We are also developing plans for distance learning, making this an area with great potential for collaboration. We also look forward to welcoming OUM to UMSU,” he added.
Similarly, Dean of the UMSU Faculty of Islamic Studies (FAI), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zailani, M.A., expressed hope that the partnership would not be limited to the university level but would also benefit faculties across UMSU.
“We hope this partnership can be effectively implemented and utilized by various faculties, creating a broader impact on academic development at UMSU,” he said.
The signing of the MoU between UMSU and Open University Malaysia reflects both institutions’ commitment to strengthening synergy in the development of internationally oriented higher education. The collaboration is expected to pave the way for various joint initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of education, research, innovation, and academic mobility for the academic communities of both institutions.
