Yogyakarta State University (UNY) continues to take strategic steps on the global stage. This time, UNY has officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS), China—an esteemed institution located in South China. The signing ceremony took place in a warm and enthusiastic atmosphere at UNY's Rectorate Building on Friday, June 20, 2025.
This MoA is more than just a ceremonial document. It marks the beginning of a new era of cross-border collaboration in education, research, and cultural exchange between two universities that have each stood strong for six decades.
The event was officially opened by UNY’s Vice Rector for Cooperation and Information Systems, Prof. Soni Nopembri, Ph.D., who expressed great enthusiasm for the partnership. “This is not merely an MoA on paper. It symbolizes our genuine commitment to building networks, learning from each other, and growing together—both academically and non-academically,” he stated.
The presence of deans from three key faculties—the Faculty of Language, Arts, and Culture (FBSB), the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), and the Faculty of Law—emphasized the wide-ranging academic impact of the collaboration.
The GDUFS delegation was led by Chairman of the University Board, SHI Youqi, who introduced GDUFS as a leading international university currently serving over 40,000 students. He also highlighted the shared milestone between GDUFS and UNY—both celebrating 60 years of educational excellence.
"Today’s meeting and agreement mark a new chapter for GDUFS and UNY. We strongly support the concrete implementation of this partnership, particularly in the area of student exchange programs at the master’s level,” said SHI Youqi. The partnership encompasses various key areas, including student and faculty exchange, joint research projects, academic publications, and the development of cultural and academic programs.
More than just establishing formal ties, this initiative stands as a tangible commitment by UNY to move forward in the international academic landscape. The synergy between these two institutions is expected to enhance educational quality to global standards and create more opportunities for both universities' academic communities.
With a spirit of collaboration and a forward-looking vision, UNY and GDUFS have laid a strong foundation for a future filled with innovation and meaningful cross-cultural partnerships.
