Milan, en.SERU.co.id – Universitas Negeri Malang (UM) is exploring academic cooperation with Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca (UNIMIB) in Italy. The discussion took place in Milan on Friday, 18 September. The collaboration covers research, student and lecturer mobility, visiting professor programs, and internships. This step forms part of UM’s effort to expand its international academic network through more concrete programs.
UM Rector Prof Hariyono MPd said that strengthening international networks needs to be directed toward academic programs. In particular, those that take clear forms and deliver real benefits for the academic community.
“Cooperation with the University of Milano-Bicocca can become one of the gateways for UM. Namely to expand collaboration in education, research, and academic mobility,” said Prof Hariyono, as quoted from the UM website on Thursday, 24 September 2026.
The UM delegation was led by Rector Prof Hariyono. He was accompanied by Vice Rector I Prof Dr H Ibrahim Bafadal MPd, University Secretary Prof I Wayan Dasna MSi MEd PhD, Director of the International Affairs Office (KUI) Sari Karmina PhD, and Head of the UM Library Unit Nurenzia Yannuar PhD.
From the University of Milano-Bicocca, the meeting was attended by Prof Stefano Malatesta, Prof Silvia Vignato, Prof Franco Passalacqua, and members of the International Relations Development Office.
During the meeting, the two institutions discussed a number of collaboration opportunities. These centered especially on research and academic mobility programs. The discussion also moved toward more specific plans, such as visiting professor arrangements and student internships.
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UM Vice Rector I Prof Dr H Ibrahim Bafadal stated that international cooperation provides a space to broaden the academic experience of students and lecturers through direct interaction with educational institutions in other countries.
KUI Director Sari Karmina PhD added that the meeting in Milan offered an opportunity to identify forms of cooperation that both universities can develop immediately.
“We want the relationship between UM and the University of Milano-Bicocca to be translated into concrete programs. So not only in the form of information exchange. But also student and lecturer mobility, research collaboration, and various joint academic programs,” she said.
Originating from the EuroSEAS Masterclass
The network between UM and academics from the University of Milano-Bicocca already has a previous foundation. One of these was the EuroSEAS Masterclass previously held at the UM Library.
The activity brought together doctoral students with senior international academics in the field of Southeast Asian studies. Prof Silvia Vignato was one of the senior academics involved in that event. For Nurenzia, the meeting in Milan shows how academic activities can develop into a wider network.
“It is interesting to see academic activities that once took place at the UM Library develop into a wider network. From the EuroSEAS Masterclass, we have academic relations with scholars, including Prof. Silvia Vignato. Now that relationship is beginning to be directed toward more concrete forms of collaboration,” she added.
One of the opportunities currently under discussion is bringing Prof Silvia Vignato to UM as a visiting professor. The program could be developed through various activities, ranging from guest lectures and seminars to research discussions and other academic engagements.
In addition, both sides are exploring the possibility of internships for University of Milano-Bicocca students at UM. This would particularly take place through the UM Lab School. Education students from Italy would have the opportunity to gain direct experience of the Indonesian education system.
