TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Universitas Muhammadiyah Purworejo (UMPWR) continues to expand opportunities for collaboration with overseas universities. One of these efforts was undertaken through its participation in the 22nd International Conference of the Asian Academic Society for Vocational Education and Training (AASVET 2026), held at National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST) in Taipei, Taiwan, from October 28–30, 2026.
The conference, attended by participants from nine Asian countries, provided UMPWR with an opportunity to expand its academic network and explore potential collaborations in vocational education. Dwi Jatmoko, M.Pd., a lecturer and Head of the Automotive Engineering Education Study Program within the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) at UMPWR, participated as a presenter while initiating communication with international academic partners.
One of the key activities during the visit was an academic discussion at NTUST on Friday, October 30, 2026. On this occasion, Dwi Jatmoko established communication with Prof. Dr. Sufen Chen of NTUST and explored opportunities for future collaboration.
The meeting is expected to serve as an initial step toward strengthening institutional ties between UMPWR and NTUST. One of the opportunities discussed was the development of an International Agreement (IA) to provide a foundation for future collaborative programs.
The proposed collaboration is expected to progress beyond initial discussions and develop into activities that support improvements in education, research, and community service. Through international partnerships, UMPWR also has opportunities to expand the exchange of knowledge and academic experiences with partner universities.
Participation in AASVET 2026 also gave UMPWR an opportunity to explore developments in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The conference brought together academics from various countries to exchange ideas on the challenges facing vocational education amid advances in digital technology, artificial intelligence, and changing workforce skill requirements.
During the keynote session, Pantelis M. Papadopoulos, Ph.D., an Associate Professor in Learning, Data Analytics, and Technology at the University of Twente, the Netherlands, delivered a presentation entitled “Two Transitions, One Vision: Empowering VET for the Digital and Green Future.”
The presentation highlighted the importance of preparing vocational education to respond to technological developments while supporting a more sustainable future. These international perspectives offer valuable insights for the development of vocational education in higher education institutions, particularly in preparing graduates whose skills meet the needs of the workforce.
In addition to participating in academic discussions, Dwi Jatmoko presented his study on the Teaching Factory approach in vocational education on Thursday, October 29, 2026. The topic focused on learning approaches that integrate academic competencies, practical experience, and industry needs.
Through his presentation and exchanges with conference participants, he had the opportunity to introduce perspectives from UMPWR’s Automotive Engineering Education Study Program while discussing vocational learning approaches with academics from various countries.
The experience is expected to provide valuable input for developing innovative learning methods, improving student competencies, and strengthening links between higher education institutions and the world of work. Participation in this international forum also opened opportunities to develop research collaborations and scientific publications with academics from other institutions.
Dwi Jatmoko expressed his hope that the communication established during AASVET 2026 would lead to tangible and sustainable collaborative programs. He emphasized that international partnerships should go beyond formal agreements and deliver meaningful benefits to institutions, lecturers, students, and the wider community.
“We hope that these discussions and initial efforts to establish partnerships will open opportunities for collaboration in education, research, scientific publications, knowledge exchange, and community service. This international experience is also expected to strengthen the development of UMPWR’s Automotive Engineering Education Study Program, enabling it to adapt more effectively to developments in TVET and the needs of the workforce,” he said.
Through its participation in AASVET 2026 and its exploration of collaboration with NTUST Taiwan, UMPWR seeks to strengthen its presence in the global academic community. This initiative is expected to pave the way for further partnerships that support improvements in higher education quality while encouraging the development of vocational education that remains relevant to technological advancements and industry needs.
