Bandung, July 20, 2026 – Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) welcomed the delegation from Shizuoka University, Japan, for the renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Academic Collaboration, reaffirming the long-standing partnership between the two institutions. Held at the Parterre Meeting Room, UPI Rectorate Building, the meeting served as an important milestone in strengthening cooperation in education, research, student mobility, and institutional development.
The Shizuoka University delegation was led by Prof. Kazuyuki Hizume, President of Shizuoka University, and accompanied by Mr. Noriyasu Sato, Trustee and Vice President (General Affairs, Finance, and Facilities) as well as Director General; Prof. Dr. Koichiro Awai, Vice President (International Strategy) and Director of the Shizuoka University Organization for International Collaboration (SUOIC); Prof. Noriko Matsuda, Head of the Planning Division of SUOIC; Prof. Dr. Yuko Kamazuka, Dean of the Faculty of Education; Prof. Dr. Takeshi Kono, Representative for Affiliated Schools in Special Needs Education; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Akira Yukita, STEM Education Representative; and Mr. Toshiyuki Komatsu, Vice Principal of the Affiliated Shizuoka Elementary School.
Representing Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Agus Setiabudi, M.Si., Vice Rector for Research, Community Outreach, and Partnerships, welcomed the delegation and introduced UPI’s academic profile, strategic priorities, and commitment to expanding international partnerships. The meeting was also attended by deans and representatives from the Faculty of Educational Sciences (FIP), the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Education (FPMIPA), the Faculty of Language and Literature Education (FPBS), the Faculty of Technology and Vocational Education (FPTI), along with representatives from other academic units across the University.
In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Agus Setiabudi emphasized that UPI highly values its long-standing relationship with Shizuoka University. He noted that strengthening international collaboration is essential for improving educational quality, promoting academic mobility, encouraging collaborative research, and preparing graduates with global competencies.
The meeting also reviewed the outcomes of previous collaborations between the two universities and explored opportunities to further expand academic cooperation. Representatives from both institutions discussed potential collaborations involving FIP, FPBS, FPMIPA, and FPTI, focusing on academic exchanges, curriculum development, and future joint initiatives.
During the discussion, the Shizuoka University delegation introduced the structure of its teacher education program, which integrates two years of education studies followed by two years of science specialization. This interdisciplinary model attracted considerable interest from UPI participants and opened discussions on potential curriculum collaboration and innovative approaches to teacher education.
The meeting also introduced several prospective collaborative programs, including student exchange initiatives involving SD Labschool UPI Bumi Siliwangi, internship opportunities for Shizuoka University students at SMP and SMA Labschool UPI Bumi Siliwangi, and broader student exchange programs involving the Faculty of Educational Sciences (FIP), the Faculty of Language and Literature Education (FPBS), the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Education (FPMIPA), and the Faculty of Technology and Vocational Education (FPTI).
A key highlight of the event was the symbolic signing of the renewed Memorandum of Understanding. Signed by Prof. Didi Sukyadi, Rector of Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, and Prof. Kazuyuki Hizume, President of Shizuoka University, the agreement officially renews the academic partnership originally established in 2010. The new MoU provides a five-year framework for continued cooperation in academic and educational exchange.
Under the renewed agreement, both universities will continue to promote collaboration through study visits, cultural immersion programs, exchanges of students, lecturers, faculty members, and administrative staff, joint research activities, academic publications, and other educational initiatives agreed upon by both institutions. The MoU also allows for the development of more specific collaborative activities through separate Memoranda of Agreement (MoAs), ensuring effective implementation of future programs.
The meeting concluded with productive discussions on future collaborative initiatives and reaffirmed the commitment of both institutions to strengthening academic cooperation through sustainable partnerships. By renewing this agreement, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia and Shizuoka University continue to foster academic excellence, international engagement, and meaningful educational collaboration that will benefit students, faculty members, and both institutions in the years ahead.
Contributors: De Shila Syailinda Maulida, Arina Nafisa Ridwan, Intan Pratidina Dewi