Universitas Muhammadiyah Purworejo (UMPWR), in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), has officially launched an international research project based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) titled “Empowering Low-Literacy EFL University Students with AI-Supported Speaking Practice in Indonesia and Malaysia.” The one-year research initiative is part of a strengthened Indonesia–Malaysia academic collaboration in English language learning innovation.
The research, led by Abdul Ngafif, Asri Cahya Aliana, and Ahmad Nazri Jelani, aims to examine the role of AI-supported speaking practice in empowering low-literacy EFL (English as a Foreign Language) university students. The study focuses on improving students’ English-speaking performance while exploring their perceptions and experiences in the empowerment process through technology integration.
This study employs a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data are collected through questionnaires measuring students’ perceptions across four key dimensions: perceived usefulness, speaking confidence, accessibility and ease of use, and motivation to speak. Meanwhile, qualitative data are gathered through semi-structured interviews to explore students’ experiences related to confidence building, speaking courage, learning autonomy, anxiety reduction, and the development of a sense of empowerment. In addition, speaking performance tests are administered to measure students’ achievement after participating in AI-supported speaking practice.
International data collection was conducted on February 11–14, 2026, at Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Pahang. The activity marked a significant milestone in the research implementation while strengthening academic synergy between the two institutions within a cross-cultural learning context.
The research findings are expected to contribute significantly to the development of inclusive and supportive English language learning approaches for low-literacy university students. Furthermore, the study enriches international literature on AI integration in language learning and offers pedagogical implications for EFL contexts in Indonesia and Malaysia.
Alongside the research agenda, the withdrawal ceremony of 15 students participating in the International Community Service–Internship Program (KKN–Magang Internasional) was also conducted. The program is a collaboration between UMPWR, UiTM, Ma'ahad As Sultan Ahmad Shah Ad Dinni, and Sekolah Rendah Tahfidz Al Bana in Bandar Jengka, Malaysia. This initiative provides students with international exposure through community service activities, professional practice, and direct engagement with global communities.
Prof. Madya Dr. Hjh Nazirah binti Ramli, Deputy Rector (Academic Affairs) of UiTM, stated that this collaboration is part of a strategic effort to enhance students’ academic quality in preparing graduates for the global workforce. According to her, research synergy and international mobility strengthen professional competence, competitiveness, and students’ readiness in the era of digital transformation.
Meanwhile, the Rector of UMPWR, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Teguh Wibowo, M.Pd., emphasized that the initiative not only enhances academic capacity but also strengthens students’ mindset, collaborative experience, and ability to interact in international environments. “Global experience serves as a crucial foundation in shaping adaptive, resilient, and internationally competitive graduates,” he affirmed.
The UMPWR–UiTM collaboration serves as a regional partnership model that integrates innovative research, academic quality enhancement, and student internationalization programs within a comprehensive and sustainable educational ecosystem.
