UMPO and MICS Hold Benchmarking Community Service Program in Batam

UMPO.AC.ID - The Postgraduate Program of the University of Muhammadiyah Ponorogo (UMPO) has established an international collaboration with Muhammadiyah Islamic College Singapore (MICS) through a Benchmarking & Community Service Program in Batam. This event was also supported by the Postgraduate Association of Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah Universities (APPPTMA) and STIT IM Batam as the host.

The UMPO Postgraduate Program, which consists of three study programs—Master of Islamic Religious Education (MPAI), Master of Pedagogy, and Master of Management—sent a delegation led by Vice Rector I Dr. Dian Suluh Kusuma Dewi, M.AP; Director of Postgraduate Studies Dr. Rudianto, M.Ag; Head of the MPAI Study Program Dr. Syamsul Arifin, M.Pd; and Head of the Master of Management Study Program Dr. Sri Hartono, M.E.

Vice Rector I, Dr. Dian Suluh, explained that during this international benchmarking session, the two institutions exchanged experiences regarding academic management, curriculum, and postgraduate development strategies. UMPO emphasized an integrative approach between modern science and Islamic values, while MICS shared best practices in Islamic higher education in Singapore's multicultural environment.

In addition, the delegation also implemented a Community Service Program as an effort to strengthen social engagement. This program is expected to have a direct impact on partner communities and strengthen Muhammadiyah's network in Southeast Asia.

The Director of Graduate Studies at UMPO, Dr. Rudianto, also stated that this collaboration is a strategic step to strengthen research, writing, and publication of scientific papers, as well as cross-border academic exchange. "This activity not only expands the network but also strengthens Muhammadiyah's role as a global education movement," he said.

With the support of APPPTMA, this activity is part of an effort to connect Muhammadiyah postgraduate programs internationally. The presence of STIT IM Batam also facilitates synergy between campuses in Indonesia, Singapore, and the Asian network.

This event affirmed UMPO's commitment to realizing its vision as a center of excellence in Islamic education, pedagogy, and management that is globally competitive and beneficial to the community