Bandung, July 20, 2026 – Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) officially strengthened its international collaboration with Kyungdong University (KDU), Republic of Korea, through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) held at the UPI Campus in Bandung. The partnership reflects both institutions’ shared commitment to expanding academic cooperation, fostering global engagement, and creating greater educational opportunities for students, faculty members, and staff.
The Kyungdong University delegation was led by Prof. Kim Kyung Hwan, Vice President of International Development. Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia was represented by Prof. Dr. Agus Setiabudi, M.Si., Vice Rector for Research, Community Outreach, and Partnerships. The event was also attended by deans and representatives from several faculties, including the Faculty of Social Sciences Education (FPIPS), the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Education (FPMIPA), the Faculty of Language and Literature Education (FPBS), the Faculty of Economics and Business Education (FPEB), along with university leaders and representatives from relevant administrative units.
The meeting commenced with welcoming remarks from Prof. Dr. Agus Setiabudi, M.Si., who emphasized UPI’s commitment to expanding international partnerships as part of the University’s strategy to enhance academic excellence, research collaboration, and global competitiveness. In his remarks, he highlighted that strategic collaborations with reputable international institutions play a significant role in broadening educational opportunities and supporting UPI’s vision of becoming a leading and globally recognized university.
Representing Kyungdong University, Prof. Kim Kyung Hwan expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to establish formal cooperation with UPI. He introduced Kyungdong University and its international development initiatives while emphasizing the University’s commitment to building sustainable partnerships that provide meaningful academic and professional experiences for students and faculty members.
The highlight of the event was the symbolic signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, followed by the exchange of signed documents and commemorative souvenirs as a symbol of friendship and mutual commitment between the two universities.
The partnership establishes a framework for collaboration in several strategic areas. These include the development of UPI Garuda Vocational Institute and UPI Migrant Centre programs in collaboration with the Ministry of Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection (KP2MI), including pre-departure education for Indonesian migrant workers seeking employment opportunities in the Republic of Korea.
In addition, the MoU provides opportunities for the implementation of dual degree pathways, including 2+2 (two years at UPI followed by two years at Kyungdong University) and 3+1 (three years at UPI and one year at Kyungdong University). Other areas of collaboration include short-term training programs in Korea for UPI faculty members, staff, and students; Korean language courses for UPI students and alumni pursuing further studies at Kyungdong University and future career opportunities in Korea; student, faculty, and staff exchanges; as well as other mutually agreed academic and educational initiatives.
During the discussion session, both institutions explored the potential implementation of several collaborative programs, including credit earning, student internships, joint degree, and dual degree programs. These initiatives are expected to promote academic mobility, strengthen institutional collaboration, and provide students with broader international learning experiences.
The meeting concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, during which representatives from both universities exchanged ideas regarding future collaboration and the implementation of the agreed initiatives. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to translating the MoU into concrete programs through subsequent Memoranda of Agreement (MoAs), ensuring that each collaborative initiative is implemented effectively and sustainably.
Through this partnership, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia continues to strengthen its global engagement by building strategic collaborations with internationally recognized higher education institutions. The cooperation with Kyungdong University is expected to expand academic opportunities, enhance cross-cultural learning experiences, and contribute to the internationalization of higher education while preparing graduates with the global competencies required in an increasingly interconnected world.
Contributors: De Shila Syailinda Maulida, Arina Nafisa Ridwan, Intan Pratidina Dewi