MALANG – Universitas Negeri Malang (UM) continues to strengthen its footprint on the international stage through progressive academic collaborations. On Monday, June 22, 2026, UM hosted a high-level bilateral meeting with the University of South Africa (UNISA). This strategic meeting was specifically designed to synergize the potential of both institutions in supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
High-Level Delegations from Both Universities
The strategic meeting was attended by key leadership figures from both institutions. The delegation from Universitas Negeri Malang was led directly by the Rector of UM, Prof. Hariyono. He was accompanied by Prof. Adi Atmoko (Vice Rector for Resources and Business), the Vice Rector for Research, Community Service, and Innovation, Dr. Sari Karmina (Director of the Office of International Affairs), and the Vice Dean III of the Faculty of Social Sciences.
Meanwhile, the UNISA delegation arrived in full strength, representing the institution’s core strategic pillars. Led by Prof. Boitumelo Senokoane (Acting ED: Department of Institutional Advancement), the delegation also featured:
- Prof. Solomon Magano (Vice Principal: Institutional Development)
- Prof. Lessing Labuschagne (Executive Director: Research, Innovation & Commercialisation)
- Prof. Kaitano Dube (Distinguished Professor, Office of the Executive Dean, College of Economic and Management Sciences)
- Prof. Malek Maaza (UNESCO UNISA ITL/NRF Africa Chair in Nanosciences & Nanotechnology)
- Prof. Nhamo Godwell (Acting Head of the Institute for Sustainability and Corporate Citizenship)
- Prof. Kwesi Kwesi Lwazi (Lecturer, Department of History)
- Ms. Refiloe Khwela (Acting Executive Director, Finance)
- Ms. Magubane Siza (Deputy Director, Internationalisation & Partnership)
- As well as two Collaboration Officers, Mr. Godfrey Mahloko and Ms. Khotomotso Mabusela.
Four Pillars of Strategic Agreement
The intensive meeting successfully formulated four concrete cooperation points, serving as tangible evidence of global partnership implementation (SDG 17):
- Matching Grant for Renewable Energy (SDG 7)
UM and UNISA agreed to launch a joint funding scheme (matching grant) to support collaborative research in renewable energy. This initiative is expected to yield clean technology innovations essential for the future of both nations.
- International Student Mobility (SDG 4)
To broaden students’ global horizons, an official student mobility program was established. As an initial step, UNISA will send two students from the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences to participate in a student exchange program at UM.
- Faculty Member Exchange (SDG 4)
Enhancing academic quality will be realized through lecturer exchanges. Both universities will exchange teaching staff to conduct international classes and serve as external examiners.
- Joint Conference on Climate Change in Durban (SDG 13)
In response to the global climate crisis, UM and UNISA will host a Joint Conference focusing on Climate Change. This international forum is scheduled to take place on October 27–30, 2026, in Durban, South Africa.
Through this strategic partnership, UM and UNISA prove that geographical boundaries are no longer an obstacle to delivering quality education and taking real action for the preservation of the planet.
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