UNDIP and Mindanao State University Strengthen Collaboration in Education, Research, and Impactful Innovation Across the ASEAN Region

UNDIP, Semarang (October 8, 2025) – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) has once again demonstrated its active role on the international stage by expanding its academic and research networks through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mindanao State University (MSU), Philippines. The signing ceremony took place at the Widya Puraya Building, UNDIP Tembalang Campus, on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.

UNDIP Rector, Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., and MSU President, MP Atty, signed the MoU. Paisalin Pangandaman Tago, CPA, during The 13th International Fisheries Symposium (IFS): ASEAN Fisheries Education Network (ASEAN FEN), co-hosted by UNDIP’s Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science (FPIK) and the Indonesian Association of Oceanologists (ISOI). The prestigious symposium, themed “ASEAN Fisheries and Marine Resources for Global Sustainability”, brought together scientists, academics, and university leaders from 13 countries who are committed to finding collaborative solutions for marine resource sustainability in the ASEAN region.

Through this collaboration, UNDIP and MSU agreed to establish a sustainable partnership in education, research, innovation, and community engagement. The scope of cooperation includes law, medicine, Islamic economics, halal business, engineering, agriculture, and fisheries, while also opening opportunities for student and faculty exchanges as well as joint research projects expected to provide tangible benefits to Southeast Asian communities.

On this occasion, Prof. Suharnomo expressed his gratitude and appreciation for MSU’s trust in building a strategic partnership with UNDIP. He warmly welcomed this comprehensive collaboration as a significant step toward strengthening cross-border cooperation in education and research.

“We are honored to welcome the delegation from Mindanao State University to UNDIP. This partnership is not merely an academic collaboration, but also a bridge of friendship that reinforces the role of universities in building a peaceful and just civilization,” said Prof. Suharnomo.

“UNDIP will continue expanding international collaborations that deliver real benefits to society, particularly through impactful research and innovation. We firmly believe that education is the key to overcoming disparities and creating a more sustainable world,” the Rector emphasized.

Meanwhile, MP Atty. Paisalin Pangandaman Tago expressed his pride in being present in Indonesia to sign this strategic agreement. He stated that collaborating with UNDIP—one of Indonesia’s leading universities—holds significant value in strengthening academic and research networks across Southeast Asia.

According to him, UNDIP and MSU share a common vision in advancing higher education based on inclusivity, human values, and international collaboration for shared progress.

“We view this partnership as a milestone in deepening relations between the Philippines and Indonesia—two nations with a long history of peacebuilding and development,” he said.

“We aim to develop a systemic collaboration involving 13 MSU campuses across Mindanao, focusing on halal research, Islamic economics, and Sharia law. Mindanao is now emerging as a peaceful region, and we believe that synergy with UNDIP will strengthen ASEAN’s role as a hub of knowledge that is both harmonious and sustainable,” he added.

This agreement marks another step in UNDIP’s efforts to expand its global research network in alignment with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

With the spirit of “Noble and Valuable UNDIP” and its commitment to supporting the national “Diktisaintek Berdampak” program, UNDIP continues to affirm its position as a world-class research university dedicated to advancing knowledge for the benefit of humanity. This cross-national collaboration underscores UNDIP’s commitment to strengthening global academic diplomacy and creating meaningful impact in education, peace, and sustainable development. (Public Communication/UNDIP/DHW & Chika)

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