Universitas Islam Malang (UNISMA) conducted an official visit to Enforcement, Leadership and Management University (ELMU), Malaysia, to explore potential international collaboration in education, research, and human resource development. The visit marked a strategic step toward building partnerships aimed at advancing academic excellence and innovation.
The UNISMA delegation was warmly received by Ir. Dr. Nor Azhar Mohd Arif, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Graduate Studies) of ELMU. During the meeting, Dr. Nor Azhar presented ELMU’s institutional profile, development plans, and strategic focus areas, particularly in research, innovation, and strengthening postgraduate programs.
Representing UNISMA, Novi Arfarita introduced the university’s academic strengths, research potential, and centers of excellence. She highlighted significant opportunities for UNISMA to expand international collaboration across various disciplines, involving faculties and supporting units within the university.
“As a lecturer and researcher in agricultural bioremediation and functional microorganisms, and as Head of the Halal Center at UNISMA, I see strong potential for joint research, academic program development, and collaboration in sustainability- and halal-based research initiatives,” she stated. Prof. Novi further emphasized UNISMA’s openness to broader areas of cooperation. “We are also open to partnerships aligned with ELMU’s strengths, such as leadership, management, governance, and innovation,” she added.
Both institutions agreed to pursue various forms of collaboration, including faculty and student exchanges, joint research and scientific publications, the organization of international seminars and conferences, as well as the development of joint education and training programs.
The visit is expected to serve as a strategic first step toward signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and subsequent cooperation agreements. It also reinforces UNISMA’s international network in support of its vision to become a globally competitive higher education institution rooted in Islamic values.
