UPI and Chirchik State Pedagogical University Explore Partnership Collaboration Opportunities

On November 25, 2024, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) hosted representatives from Chirchik State Pedagogical University (CSPU), Uzbekistan, to discuss potential collaboration partnerships to advance international cooperation, specifically in the pedagogical field. The delegations from CSPU included key academic experts led by Dr. Daniyor Amadjonov, Vice-Rector of CSPU. Representing UPI was Prof. Dr. Didi Sukyadi, M.A., the Vice Rector for Education and Student Affairs, accompanied by UPI faculty members across study programs.

Ten key areas of possible collaboration were proposed during the discussion. Both universities highlighted the possibility of exchanging visiting professors and scholars to facilitate faculty members in teaching and conducting research for up to three months across undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs. UPI also expressed a keen interest in establishing adjunct professor roles to advance academic expertise further and provide an international perspective within study programs.

The discussion also touched on degree and non-degree training opportunities abroad for teaching staff, emphasising university management, quality assurance, journal management, and pedagogical development. UPI highlighted its skill in lesson study, a pedagogical approach regarded as the best in Indonesia and extensively used throughout Southeast Asia. “Our pedagogical training is recognized as number one in Indonesia. Educators from countries like Malaysia and Laos frequently visit UPI to learn more about it; we are confident in designing training programs focused on pedagogical aspects, including STEM education,” expressed Arif Hidayat, Ph.D.Ed, Deputy Director for International Partnership and University Ranking, Directorate of International Affairs, UPI.

Moreover, UPI proposed utilising its extensive network of regional campuses to facilitate these programs, including summer schools and other credit and non-credit earning initiatives to further support students’ academic growth through exposure to cross-cultural learning experiences.

Another critical area of interest is the collaboration of PhD programs for joint supervision and external examiners. This is to enhance the quality of doctoral research, brought into the table alongside possible joint, dual, and double degree programs at the bachelor’s and master’s levels, focusing on benefiting students from blended learning models involving online and in-person studies across both universities.

Throughout the discussion, UPI and CSPU also agreed on the importance of international research collaboration and joint conferences and seminars, specifically in pedagogy. “International collaboration is highly welcomed,” expressed Arif Hidayat, “Your scholars can connect with ours for comparative studies or other research projects, especially in pedagogy. UPI also hosts annual international conferences, and we would gladly partner with you to organize such events.” Moreover, UPI offered its expertise in curriculum development and education standards, focusing on STEM education and benchmarking through 17 centres of excellence. This does not exclude the prospects for international publications, such as co-managing academic journals and producing joint-research articles.

Representatives from CSPU expressed enthusiasm for the wide range of these proposed initiatives. Both institutions agreed that the potential for mutual benefits and a lasting partnership would contribute to the future of the global academic community, marking the beginning of a meaningful collaboration that reflects the shared commitment of UPI and CSPU to support global quality education.  Yudhistira Muhamad Reihan