A Decade of Partnership: UM and UBJ Renew Commitment to Global Academic Collaboration

Davao City, Philippines — Strengthening a decade-long alliance, University of Mindanao (UM) and Universitas Bhayangkara Jakarta Raya (UBJ) formally renewed their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on February 5, 2026, at the UBJ Campus in Indonesia.

Now entering its third cycle and 10th year, the partnership stands as a testament to UM’s enduring commitment to the Commission on Higher Education’s ACHIEVE agenda on Expanded Internationalization. The renewal reaffirms both institutions’ shared vision of advancing cross-border collaboration, academic excellence, and global engagement.

Over the past decade, the UM–UBJ collaboration has flourished through: (1) Comprehensive academic exchanges (2) High-impact joint research initiatives (3) Dynamic short-term academic programs and (4) Strategic institutional benchmarking efforts.

These initiatives have strengthened institutional capacity, enriched student and faculty experiences, and deepened intercultural understanding between the Philippines and Indonesia.

The ceremonial signing was led by UM President and CEO, Guillermo P. Torres Jr., and UBJ Rector, Bambang Karsono. Witnessing the milestone were Ronnie Amorado, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Reynaldo Castro, Vice President for External Relations and International Affairs.

As UM looks toward the future, this renewed agreement signals expanded opportunities for students and faculty members to participate in global academic platforms, foster innovation-driven research, and strengthen cultural exchange across borders. The continued partnership underscores both institutions’ commitment to building resilient, globally connected academic communities.