CENTRAL JAVA, Oct 2 – The Department of Advanced Technical and Vocational Education and Training (Advanced TVET), Faculty of Educational Sciences and Technology (FEST), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) successfully organized the Global Advanced TVET Educators 2025 (GATE 2025) program at Universitas Muhammadiyah Purworejo (UMPWR), Indonesia from 28th September 2025 to 2nd October 2025.
The program formed part of a global initiative to enhance students’ and academics’ exposure to international TVET education systems. Led by Dayang Nabilah Ag Ismail as the student representative, the mobility program involved 13 UTM students and two academic representatives, Ts. Dr. Muhamad Afzamiman Aripin and Dr. Ahmad Nabil Md. Nasir. The initiative aimed to foster collaborative activities including academic visits, joint workshops, and exchanges of knowledge and expertise, strengthening mutual learning and institutional partnership between UTM and UMPWR.
Strategic Partnership Sealed through MoU Signing
FEST is committed to realizing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UMPWR as a strategic step to strengthen academic collaboration and enrich learning experiences in the field of TVET.
The MoU signing ceremony was held on 29 September 2025 at the main meeting room of UMPWR. The agreement was signed by Dr. Tusino, M.Pd., Vice Rector IV, representing UMPWR, and UTM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim, through the document presented by Ts. Dr. Muhamad Afzamiman Aripin from FEST UTM.
This MoU marks the commitment of both institutions to implement various joint initiatives, including student mobility and other collaborative programs. It is hoped that this effort will further strengthen higher education partnerships and enhance the global competitiveness of TVET graduates.
International Guest Lecture with UTM and UMPWR Students
The Automotive Technology Education Study Program (PTO) at UMPWR organized an International Guest Lecture on 29 September 2025 at the Kasman Singodimedjo Auditorium. The event was officiated by Vice Rector IV, Dr. Tusino, M.Pd., with the aim of broadening students’ global perspectives and enhancing the quality of learning.
The lecture featured two lecturers from UTM, Dr. Muhamad Afzamiman Arifin and Dr. Ahmad Nabil Md. Nasir, who discussed the TVET system in Malaysia and its role in supporting innovation, creativity, and future economic competitiveness. The Head of the PTO Study Program at UMPWR, Dwi Jatmoko, M.Pd., also shared insights on TVET in Indonesia, emphasizing the importance of synergy between education, industry, and government.
The interactive session saw students actively engaging with questions related to technology, job opportunities, and graduate readiness in facing global challenges. The event concluded with the hope that UMPWR–UTM collaboration will continue to be strengthened to enrich international learning experiences and better prepare students for the global workforce.
Experiencing Heritage through Hands-On Learning
As part of the Global Advanced TVET Educators 2025 (GATE 2025) program, participants visited a local Batik industry in Purworejo to gain firsthand experience of Indonesia’s rich cultural craftsmanship and creative economy. The visit aimed to expose students to traditional textile production processes, design innovation, and sustainable practices embedded in the Batik-making industry. Industry representatives provided insightful briefings on the techniques, motifs, and cultural significance of Batik as a national heritage and economic driver in Indonesia.
During the visit, UTM students had the opportunity to try the Batik-making process themselves, engaging in activities such as designing patterns, applying wax using canting, and dyeing the fabric with natural colors. The hands-on session allowed them to appreciate the complexity, patience, and creativity involved in each step of production. This experiential learning not only deepened their understanding of traditional crafts within the TVET context but also inspired them to explore ways of integrating cultural heritage and innovation in modern vocational education and training.
A journey back to inspire
The Global Advanced TVET Educators 2025 Program successfully demonstrated the shared vision of UTM and UMPWR in advancing international collaboration, academic excellence, and global exposure among TVET educators and students. Through academic visits, the MoU signing, and the international guest lecture, both institutions exchanged valuable insights into the evolving landscape of technical and vocational education.
This initiative not only strengthened institutional ties but also created meaningful opportunities for knowledge sharing, innovation, and cultural exchange between Malaysia and Indonesia. It is hoped that this collaboration will continue to flourish through future joint programs, research projects, and student mobility initiatives — empowering the next generation of TVET leaders to be globally competent, innovative, and ready to contribute to sustainable development across borders.
