Purworejo – Universitas Muhammadiyah Purworejo (UMPWR) has once again demonstrated its role as an international bridge in the world of education. Through strategic initiatives, Muhammadiyah University Purworejo has successfully paved the way for collaboration between Purworejo State Senior High School 7 and Muhammadiyah Vocational School Purwodadi with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Pahang Branch, Malaysia.
This step is part of UMPWR's commitment to supporting the improvement of education quality at the school level, particularly through international networks. This collaboration is expected to open up opportunities for knowledge exchange, strengthen the competencies of students and teachers, and broaden the global perspective of Purworejo State Senior High School 7 and Muhammadiyah Vocational School Purwodadi.
The Rector of UM Purworejo, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Teguh Wibowo, M.Pd., expressed his appreciation for this partnership. “As a university, we are committed to not only focusing on development at the university level, but also supporting the improvement of education quality in secondary schools. This collaboration is an important step in preparing a young generation that is superior and globally competitive,” he said.
The Principal of SMA N 7 Purworejo, Mrs. Niken Wahyu, M.Pd, expressed her pride and appreciation for the visit from the international delegation, while the Principal of SMK Muhammadiyah Purwodadi, Sumarjo, M.Pd, stated that this collaboration will provide new experiences for both teachers and students in cross-border education development.
The Head of the International Affairs Office (KUI) at UMPWR, Associate Professor Dr. Jeki Wibawanti, M.Eng., M.Si, who accompanied UiTM lecturer Ts. Mohd. Norafizal Abd. Aziz and UiTM students on their visit to the school, expressed her pride in being able to return to the school environment to facilitate cooperation. “For me, school is a place where inspiration is born. I am happy to be back at Smansev School with international partners, so that students can directly experience the benefits of the global network facilitated by the UMPWR campus,” she explained.
With the support from UM Purworejo, it is hoped that this collaboration will continue to develop into concrete programs, such as joint seminars, cultural exchanges, and simple collaborative research involving high school and vocational school students, concluded Abdul Afif, M.Pd, Head of the International Cooperation Department.
