Universitas Muhammadiyah Purworejo (UMPWR) - once again demonstrated its commitment to expanding its international academic network through the 2025 International Guest Lecture. Held at the Kasman Singodimejo Auditorium on Monday (09/29/2025), this event featured two speakers from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) who shared their experiences and insights on vocational education and technology systems. The two speakers were Dr. Muhamad Afzamiman bin Aripin and Dr. Ahmad Nabil bin Md Nasir.
The event was lively and enthusiastic. University leaders, lecturers, and students from various study programs were in attendance. The event was officially opened by the Vice Rector IV of UMPWR, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tusino, M.Pd., who emphasized in his speech the importance of international academic activities as part of the strategy to improve the quality of learning and campus internationalization.
“This international guest lecture is a valuable opportunity for students to broaden their global horizons, especially in the fields of vocational education and technology. Through activities such as this, we want to equip them to be ready to compete at the international level,” he said.
The series of events began with the singing of the Indonesian and Malaysian national anthems, followed by a collaborative performance by UTM and UMPWR students that strengthened the sense of cultural togetherness between the two institutions. This moment became a tangible symbol of the spirit of cross-border collaboration in the world of education.
The main session, led by Dr. Muhammad Afzamiman bin Aripin and Dr. Ahmad Nabil bin Md. Nasir from UTM, discussed the strategic role of TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) in supporting future economic development. Both emphasized that modern TVET not only produces skilled workers but also drives innovation and national competitiveness in the digital age.
To balance perspectives, the Head of the PTO Study Program at UMPWR, Dwi Jatmoko, M.Pd., also explained the conditions and challenges of TVET in Indonesia. He emphasized the importance of synergy between the world of education, industry, and government to form a vocational system that is adaptive and relevant to the needs of the times.
The interactive discussion was one of the most dynamic parts of the event. Students actively asked critical questions about digital transformation, graduate readiness, and opportunities for implementing inclusive TVET in Indonesia. The in-depth answers from the speakers enriched the knowledge of all participants.
The Head of the International Affairs Office (KUI) of UMPWR, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jeki Wibawanti, added that this activity was the initial implementation of the MoU that had just been signed through the International Guest Lecture.
"This program not only broadens students' academic horizons but also strengthens UMPWR's position as a strategic link between domestic and foreign educational institutions by establishing cooperation with UTM, which is ranked #153 in the QS World University Rankings 2026153 Qs world. We hope that the collaboration with UTM can continue to develop into various other forms of collaboration, including research and other exchange programs," she said.
