Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) on Tuesday (17/5) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SEAMEO QITEP in Language (SEAQIL) virtually through the Zoom application. The signing from the UNY was represented by the Vice Rector  for Planning and Cooperation, Prof. Dr. Siswantoyo, M.Kes, and from SEAQIL represented by the Director of SEAQIL Dr. Luh Anik Mayani. This is part of UNY's efforts in sustainable development goals in education and partnerships.

After signing the memorandum of understanding, Luh Anik Mayani, in her speech, thanked UNY and hoped that this agenda could strengthen commitment and expand the field of cooperation that had begun with student apprenticeships and exchange activities in training activities. "Later on, we hope that the cooperation between these two institutions can be developed in the fields of research, capacity building, development of learning resources, community service, strengthening of cooperation networks, and so on," she said.

The Director of SEAQIL revealed that from 2020 to 2021, UNY students who took part in internships at SEAQIL did very well in the School Literacy Club (KLS) and Regular Internship programs. For example, 64 UNY students took part in the internship program as KLS mentors held for four months online. Meanwhile, the most popular in the Regular Internship Program is running the Indonesian Language Program for Foreign Speakers (BIPA). In addition, UNY lecturers contribute and become partners in developing learning materials and training held by SEAQIL.

Siswantoyo appreciated the opportunity given to UNY to partner with SEAMEO QITEP in Language. “There are many things that we can optimize in the collaboration between SEAQIL and UNY. We hope that collaboration and equality will produce something more meaningful for the development of Indonesian society in general, especially for UNY because we want from UNY for Indonesia and from UNY for the world," he said. (dew, Tj.Lak)