UNDIP, Semarang (14/7) – The Board of Trustees of Universitas Diponegoro (MWA UNDIP) organized the “Workshop on Strategies for Accelerating Universitas Diponegoro into the World’s Top 500 Universities” on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at the Prof. Soedarto, S.H. Building, UNDIP’s Tembalang Campus, Semarang City. The strategic forum aimed to strengthen synergy within the academic community to support the university’s efforts to achieve its goal of becoming a World-Class University (WCU) and to secure a position among the world’s top 500 universities.
UNDIP invited Prof. Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Zaini Ujang, currently serving as Chairman of the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), Pro-Chancellor of Management and Science University (MSU) Malaysia, and Professor-Fellow at the International Islamic University Malaysia, as the keynote speaker. The interactive discussion was moderated by UNDIP Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, Collaboration, and Public Communication, Wijayanto, S.I.P., M.Si., Ph.D., and attended by representatives from the Board of Trustees, Academic Senate, Board of Professors, university leadership, faculty and school leaders, and members of the academic staff.
Rector of Universitas Diponegoro, Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., officially opened the event and emphasized that achieving World-Class University status requires measurable, consistent, and sustainable efforts supported by the entire academic community. “There is no one left behind. We must improve our internal business processes in line with each faculty’s capacity. I want to thank the Board of Trustees for organizing this agenda as part of our efforts to improve international rankings. This is undoubtedly a shared responsibility,” said the Rector.
Prof. Suharnomo further highlighted the importance of strengthening internationalization not only at the university level but also within faculties, departments, and study programs. UNDIP has undertaken various initiatives to expand internationally standardized services, including English-language training for academic staff and discussions between the Rector and international students to gather feedback on improving campus infrastructure and services with English-language support.
In his remarks, Chairman of the UNDIP Board of Trustees, Prof. Mohamad Nasir, M.Si., Akt., Ph.D., stressed the importance of collaboration in improving UNDIP’s international standing. According to the QS World University Rankings 2027, UNDIP is currently ranked 662nd globally. “This ranking is one of the key indicators of international reputation, and we must continue to improve it year by year. Faculties should also strengthen collaborations with other universities, particularly to enhance citations per faculty,” Prof. Nasir stated.
As a distinguished figure in global higher education, Prof. Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Zaini Ujang delivered a presentation entitled “Strategy for Global Competitiveness.” He emphasized that employer reputation should be the first indicator strengthened as a foundation for university advancement. He outlined three strategic approaches—enhancing academic reputation, employer reputation, and specialization—to strengthen an institution’s reputation, relevance, and impact.
Prof. Zaini further explained the framework of “change–transformation–shift.”
“Change examines whether meaningful improvements have occurred; transformation focuses on transitioning from a teaching university to a research university; and shift measures whether progress aligns with the institution’s vision and mission toward achieving global rankings,” he explained.
The presentation session was followed by a question-and-answer discussion moderated by Vice Rector IV, Wijayanto, Ph.D.
Numerous faculty members actively engaged in the discussion. Among them, the Dean of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), Dr. Drs. Teguh Yuwono, M.Pol.Admin., explored strategies to improve Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The Dean of the Faculty of Psychology sought insights on accelerating doctoral completion among academic staff. At the same time, Ahmad Ni’matullah Al-Baarri, S.Pt., M.P., Ph.D. discussed strategies to increase research publications among faculty members serving in frontline academic and administrative roles.
The workshop also featured a presentation titled “Action Plan 2026–2027: Strategies to Enhance UNDIP’s Academic and Employer Reputation” by Director of Reputation, Partnerships, and Global Connectivity, Prof. Dr. Ir. Hadiyanto, S.T., M.Sc., IPU. Beginning this year, UNDIP plans to expand its network of peer groups to increase research citations, including promoting co-authorship with academics from international universities. Faculty members engaged in international co-authorship initiatives will be selected as nominees for global ambassador roles.
In addition, the achievements of ‘Notable Alumni’ were highlighted as an important indicator in strengthening UNDIP’s institutional reputation.
Through this workshop, UNDIP expects to develop more actionable strategies to enhance academic reputation, research quality, international partnerships, and various indicators used in global university rankings. (Public Communication/UNDIP/Titis)
