Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and Central Mindanao University (CMU) have agreed to establish a partnership under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to carry out academic and research activities between the two universities, covering several areas.
The MoU signing was conducted by UGM Vice-Rector for Education and Teaching Professor Wening Udasmoro and CMU President Dr. Rolito G. Eballe at the UGM Main Conference Room on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025.
This agreement is a follow-up to previous collaborations, namely the 2023 Summer Course organized by the Department of Biological Resources and Veterinary Technology (DTHV) at UGM Vocational College (SV UGM), which was attended by lecturers and staff from the Philippines, including CMU, as well as the 2025 International Webinar featuring speakers and participants from both UGM and CMU.
Vice-Rector Udasmoro stated that this collaboration is a significant opportunity for UGM to engage more broadly on various issues, not only limited to agriculture but also addressing a range of global challenges.
“I am confident that we can continue to expand our discussions in the future, thinking about concrete steps to implement this collaboration following the signing of the MoU,” she said.
She also emphasized that at UGM, all faculties are encouraged to conduct collaborative research and publications.
Through this international partnership between UGM and CMU, Vice-Rector Udasmoro hopes to begin with joint teaching and public lectures, which can then be further developed into collaborative research or joint scientific publications.
“This is certainly a great opportunity for us. I believe that colleagues from various faculties will also be able to share more about the other innovations they have developed, which could be highly valuable for our future cooperation,” she added.
Meanwhile, CMU President Eballe stressed his belief that the cooperation between the two universities would result in concrete and mutually beneficial activities agreed upon by both parties.
He also expressed hope that the partnership would lead to more specific forms of collaboration.
“We see this as a very good opportunity for both institutions. We recognize that UGM is one of the best universities in Indonesia. On our side, we are also continuously improving the quality of our education so that we can compete in international rankings,” he said.
CMU is one of the leading universities in the northern part of Mindanao Island, the Philippines, playing a key role in higher education and research, particularly in agriculture, science, and technology.
Moving forward, various activities will be implemented to strengthen cooperation between UGM and CMU, including student exchange programs, visiting professors (adjunct professors), joint research, community service programs, and the expansion of international research.
Author: Lintang Andwyna
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographer: Firsto