URGENCH, UPI

Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) has further solidified its academic presence in Central Asia through a series of high-level engagements at Mamun University, Urgench, held from March 5 to 7, 2026. The visit was highlighted by the historic signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the inauguration of a new campus, and an international research forum.

A Milestone Day: Campus Inauguration and MoU Signing

Friday, March 5, 2026, marked a dual celebration for the two institutions. The UPI delegation, led by Prof. Dr. Agus Setiabudi, M.Si. (Vice Rector for Research, Community Service, and Partnerships) and Prof. Eri Kurniawan, M.A., Ph.D. (Head of International Partnerships Division), attended the grand opening ceremony of Mamun University’s new campus in Urgench.

Beyond serving as a center for research and development, this new facility has been designated as a strategic hub and a representative office for Mamun University’s international partners. UPI is among the select group of global institutions to have an official presence within the new campus, facilitating closer cooperation in the years to come.

Immediately following the inauguration, a formal ceremony was held to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Rector of UPI and the Rector of Mamun University. This agreement provides the legal and structural foundation for long-term collaboration in education, research, and community service.

Empowering Faculty through Scopus Coaching Clinic

As a concrete implementation of the partnership, Prof. Eri Kurniawan led an intensive Coaching Clinic on Writing for Reputable International Journals. Invited by the Rector of Mamun University, Dr. Sardor Sharifzoda, the workshop focused on the English Education Department faculty.

Dr. Rejapov Izzatbek Olimbayevich, Vice Rector for International Relations, closely monitored the training and noted the high level of engagement among participants. The curriculum focused on:

• Research Literacy: High-quality reference sourcing and selection.
• Genre-Based Approach: Utilizing Prof. Eri’s six years of research to structure competitive manuscripts.
• Strategic Drafting: Navigating the complexities of Scopus-indexed publications.

The session will be followed by a dedicated manuscript mentoring program and the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between Mamun University and the UPI School of Postgraduate Studies (SPs UPI) to solidify joint research and publication efforts.

Advocating for Interethnic Harmony through Education

The delegation also participated as invited speakers in the International Scientific and Practical Conference themed “The Role of Higher Education Institutions in Ensuring Friendship among Peoples and Interethnic Harmony.”

• Prof. Agus Setiabudi presented a paper titled “Building Academic Friendship through Education and Research Collaboration: Evidence from Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia,” highlighting how institutional partnerships serve as a foundation for global peace.
• Prof. Eri Kurniawan delivered a presentation on “The Role of Scientific Research in Strengthening Social Stability and Interethnic Harmony: Lessons from the Baduy Community, Indonesia,” sharing unique sociological insights from the Indonesian archipelago to a global audience.

Broader Mission: UPI’s Uzbekistan Roadshow

This visit to Mamun University is part of a larger diplomatic and academic circuit involving several top Uzbek institutions, including Namangan State Institute of Foreign Languages, Chirchik State Pedagogical University, and Uzbekistan State World Languages University.

The overarching goal of this roadshow is to broaden UPI’s internationalization footprint through:

• Joint and Dual Degree Programs
• Student and Faculty Mobility
• Joint Research and Publications

Participants at Mamun University expressed immense gratitude for the practical nature of the training, with many voicing their hope for advanced follow-up sessions. This mission reinforces UPI’s commitment to becoming a leading global university by fostering meaningful academic friendships across borders. (Contributor: Eri Kurniawan)

Namangan, UPI

The academic relationship between Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) and the Namangan State Institute of Foreign Languages (NSIFL) has entered a strategic new chapter. On March 2, 2026, UPI representative Prof. Eri Kurniawan, M.A., Ph.D., officially delivered the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) documents signed by the Rectors of both UPI and NSIFL.

The handover of these documents signals the formal commencement of collaboration at the university level. Notably, the Workshop on Writing Articles for Reputable International Journals, held on the same day, served as the very first realization of the newly ratified partnership.

The workshop, held in the Meeting Room of the NSIFL Campus, was attended by faculty members from the Department of English Education. Dr. Akmal Amanov, Head of the Department, who personally invited the expert team from UPI, emphasized that this training directly addresses their institutional challenges.

“Publishing in Scopus-indexed journals has become a primary Key Performance Indicator (KPI) for our department. For 2026, we have set a target to publish at least 20 international journal articles. Therefore, this training is crucial to equip our lecturers with effective and high-quality publication strategies,” Dr. Akmal explained in his opening remarks.

During the training session, Prof. Eri Kurniawan provided an in-depth exploration of research literacy and publication strategies, ranging from techniques for selecting high-quality references to structuring competitive manuscript drafts. The materials were presented using a genre-based approach, a synthesis of Prof. Eri’s extensive research conducted over the past six years.

This approach is specifically designed to help researchers navigate the rhetorical structures and linguistic conventions expected by editors of reputable international journals, thereby increasing the likelihood of manuscript acceptance.

Prof. Eri’s presence in Namangan is part of a high-level UPI delegation visit to Uzbekistan, led by Prof. Dr. Agus Setiabudi, M.Si., Vice Rector for Research, Community Service, and Partnerships.

Beyond NSIFL, the UPI delegation conducted an academic roadshow to several prominent institutions, including Chirchik State Pedagogical University, Uzbekistan State World Languages University, and Ma’mun University. The mission aims to expand UPI’s internationalization programs through joint/dual degree schemes, student mobility, faculty exchange, and collaborative research and publications.

Participants showed great enthusiasm, noting that the training provided practical tools immediately applicable to their needs. As a concrete follow-up, a continuous manuscript mentoring program will be established for NSIFL lecturers to ensure their drafts are submission-ready.

Furthermore, this cooperation will be strengthened by a forthcoming Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between NSIFL and the UPI School of Postgraduate Studies (SPs UPI), focusing on specific joint research projects and future publication collaborations. (Contributor: Eri Kurniawan)

Chirchik, UPI

In a significant move to strengthen international academic ties, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) and Uzbekistan Chirchik State Pedagogical University (UCSPU) held a high-level partnership meeting on March 4, 2026. The meeting, hosted at the UCSPU Vice Rector’s office in Chirchik City, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, marked a new milestone in bilateral cooperation between the two institutions.

​The primary agenda of the visit focused on the signing and implementation of several Memoranda of Agreement (MoA). These agreements encompass:

• ​The establishment of joint academic programs.
• ​A specialized collaboration with the UPI School of Postgraduate Studies (SPs UPI) focusing on international journal article writing workshops and collaborative research.
• ​Strategic partnerships regarding international accreditation and professional coaching for international journal management.

​Prof. Dr. Agus Setiabudi, M.Si., UPI’s Vice Rector for Research, Community Service, and Partnerships, emphasized that this visit is a core component of UPI’s strategic vision to expand its global footprint.

​”This partnership is not just about signatures on paper; it is about expanding our international reach through joint training, research, and publication,” Prof. Setiabudi stated.

​He further offered UPI’s expertise to assist UCSPU in pedagogic program development and proposed the establishment of an Indonesian language program at UCSPU, a project set to be supported by the Indonesian Embassy.

​Ass. Prof. Dr. Axmadjanov Doniyor Baxtiyor, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs at UCSPU, welcomed the delegation warmly, recalling his previous visit to UPI campuses in Bandung and Sumedang in 2024. He noted that UCSPU is currently prioritizing both national and international accreditation for its teacher study programs and expressed a keen interest in applying for UPI’s AsTEN Teacher Education Quality Assurance Agency (ATQA).

​The discussion also delved into the specifics of student and faculty mobility:

• ​Reciprocal Accommodation: UCSPU committed to providing accommodation for Indonesian students and requested similar arrangements for Uzbek students in Indonesia.
• ​Seasonal Programs: A proposal was made for UCSPU to organize “Winter Programs,” while UPI is expected to host “Summer Programs” lasting 7–10 days.
• ​Diversified Collaboration: Beyond education study programs, UCSPU is eager to involve its newer non-education sectors, such as economics and tourism, in student mobility schemes.

​A key highlight of the meeting was the status of the joint program, which UCSPU has already requested from the Uzbek Ministry of Education, with a target effective starting date in the upcoming Fall semester of 2026.

​The meeting concluded with a potential mutual agreement to explore faculty member mobility, ensuring that the partnership benefits not only students but also the academic staff of both prestigious universities. (​Contributor: Eri Kurniawan)

Bandung, UPI

Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) has once again made a standout mark on the international stage through the work of Prof. Dr. Leli Yulifar, M.Pd., Head of UPI’s National Education Museum, who was invited as a speaker at international seminars in Bronbeek, Arnhem on 6 February 2026 and at Erasmus University Rotterdam on 9 February 2026.

The events were fully supported by Oost Indisch Doof, a historical organization founded by Hans van den Akker and Chris Bruggenkamp. In her presentations, Prof. Leli addressed themes related to colonialism and imperialism in history, using immersive technology as a lens to engage audiences. Her unique approach drew significant attention from both academics and historical practitioners, opening up new avenues for cross-national research collaboration, particularly between Indonesia and the Netherlands.

The seminars sparked overwhelmingly positive feedback from multiple European institutions. The University of Applied Sciences Rotterdam and researchers from the Bronbeek Association expressed interest in establishing joint research initiatives with UPI. Meanwhile, the Director of the Onderwijs Museum in Dordrecht has extended an invitation for UPI to visit in June 2026, with full support provided by Dutch hosts. Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, one of Europe’s largest museums, also indicated readiness to collaborate with UPI through its Education Division.

In addition to institutional interest, Prof. Leli’s research received external validation. Her work on BIMA (the Colonial-Era Regent P.A.A. Djajadiningrat) and the third installment of the Berretty research series was awarded an “Excellent” rating by Dr. Coen van’t Veer, a Dutch Studies validator from Leiden University, on 8 February 2026.

Reflecting on her experience, Prof. Leli noted that traditional business cards remain surprisingly effective at international forums. “Shortly after the seminar, I began receiving collaboration offers via email — including contacts from Rotterdam and Bronbeek,” she wrote. She also expressed gratitude to UPI’s leadership, including the Rector, Chairman of the Board of Professors, LPPM/DPPM leadership, DIHS, Kemendiktisaintek, and the 2020–2025 UPI leadership team for their robust support of this international engagement.

Prof. Leli’s presence in the Netherlands not only strengthens UPI’s position as a hub for research in education and history but also paves the way for bilateral collaboration between Indonesia and the Netherlands in colonial history research. By leveraging immersive technology, historical research can now be presented in ways that are more interactive, accessible, and relevant to younger generations.

Looking forward, UPI and its National Education Museum remain committed to advancing historical education, expanding international networks, and driving impactful innovations in how history is researched and shared across the world.

Bandung, UPI

The Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Education (FPTI) at Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI), in collaboration with UNESCO, successfully organized an International Webinar on AI and TVET titled “AI-Driven Digital Transformation in TVET Institutions: Current Status, Practices, and Future Challenges.” The virtual event was held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, and attracted 255 participants from various countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, Japan, China, Cambodia, the Netherlands, and Germany. Participants comprised educators, researchers, students, and vocational-education practitioners.

Advancing AI Integration in TVET

The webinar explored the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), covering key areas such as:

• enhancing research productivity and scientific publication,
• integrating AI into sustainability oriented vocational learning,
• advancing energy innovation through EV Smart Charging, and
• examining students’ perspectives on responsible AI.

These discussions align closely with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

• SDG 4 (Quality Education),
• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth),
• SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure),
• SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and
• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

The event opened with a teaser and institutional profile videos of FPTI UPI and UNESCO, hosted by Dr. Nisa Aulia Saputra as Master of Ceremony.

Strengthening Global Collaboration

Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Hiromichi Katayama, Programme Specialist at the UNESCO Regional Office in Jakarta, who emphasized the importance of AI-driven digital transformation in advancing modern TVET systems.

Prof. Dr. Agus Setiabudi, M.Si., UPI’s Vice Rector for Research, Community Service, and Partnerships, expressed appreciation for the UPI–UNESCO collaboration and highlighted the urgency of integrating AI and digital technologies into vocational education to prepare future-ready graduates.

AI as a Driver of Green and Future-Ready Education

Dr. Eng. Agus Setiawan, M.Si., Dean of FPTI UPI and Coordinator of the UNEVOC Centre at UPI, underscored AI’s role as a learning enabler in developing green curricula, fostering future skills, and advancing technological innovation in TVET. He also highlighted its contribution to SDG 7, particularly through the development of EV Smart Charging technologies.

Interactive Discussions and Expert Insights

The presentation session, moderated by Ilhamdaniah, Ph.D., featured four distinguished speakers:

• Dr. Didin Wahyudin,
• Muhammad Oka Ramadhan, M.Pd.,
• Umar Hanif Ramadhani, Ph.D., and
• Nabilah Dwisepti Cahyani.

The session generated dynamic and interactive discussions, with participants raising questions on AI implementation in TVET learning environments, ethical considerations in AI usage, and strategies for developing future-oriented competencies.

Sustaining Impact Through Continued Partnership

The UNESCO Regional Office in Jakarta expressed appreciation for the webinar, highlighting the strong research insights from UPI scholars, the active engagement of participants, and the overall high quality of the event.

Moving forward, UNESCO and FPTI UPI plan to continue their collaboration through post-event outputs and by strengthening the regional agenda on AI and TVET.

As the program coordinator, Dr. Mustika Nuramalia Handayani, Vice Dean for Student Affairs and Partnerships at FPTI UPI, emphasized that this initiative marks the beginning of a broader collaboration.

“FPTI UPI is committed to expanding partnerships to drive inclusive, ethical, and sustainable digital transformation in TVET, in line with the SDGs,” she stated.