Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) recently visited Akademi Pengajian Bahasa (APB), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2017. Since then, various activities have been undertaken, including a lecturer exchange programme, industrial training, educational talks, and more. In the latest initiative, UMY organized an International Field Work Study, aiming to expose students to knowledge, experiences, and international perspectives before their graduation. This programme, held on January 11, 2024, contributes to a valuable global learning experience for the participating students. Its objectives encompass meeting UMY’s International Field Work Study requirement, sharing insights into the teaching and learning of the Arabic language, and strengthening the bond between UMY and UiTM.

The programme involved 2 lecturers and 35 students from UMY, along with 15 lecturers and 8 students from UiTM. The day commenced with welcoming speeches from representatives of both institutions, accompanied by recitations from the Holy Quran. Subsequently, Dr. Fitri Zakiyah led a seminar and sharing session titled ‘Arabic for Tourism: A New Perspective of Arabic Learning in Indonesia.’ An additional cultural element was introduced as a UMY student performed Seni Pencak Silat during the event.

In its entirety, this programme not only benefits the participating students but also underscores APB’s commitment to international collaboration, aligning with UiTM’s value of synergy—collaborating seamlessly to maximize productivity for the benefit of industry and society. By hosting or participating in programmes like this, APB aims to foster global cooperation, allowing students to gain invaluable insights into diverse academic and professional practices, thereby contributing to UiTM’s vision of establishing itself as a globally renowned university of science, technology, humanities, and entrepreneurship.