UMLA–Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Discuss Strategic Collaboration: Advancing Islamic Economics Curriculum and COIL Initiatives

Universitas Muhammadiyah Lamongan (UMLA), through its International Office (KUI), continues to strengthen its commitment to higher education internationalization. On Wednesday (25/09/2025), UMLA held a virtual meeting with the Islamic Business School of Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) via Zoom.

The meeting focused on strategic international collaboration plans, including curriculum benchmarking aligned with AACSB standards and the development of Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) programs. One proposed initiative is a joint virtual class between UMLA’s Islamic Economics program and a selected course from UUM.

The session was attended by UMLA’s Vice Rector I, Dr. Arifal Aris; Head of International Office, Dias Tiara Putri Utomo, M.Pd; Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Suyitno, M.M; Head of Islamic Economics Program, Elvina Assadam; and Deputy Head of Program, Faricha Maf’ula. Representatives from UUM’s Islamic Business School also joined and expressed strong interest in the collaboration.

In her remarks, Dias Tiara Putri Utomo emphasized that benchmarking with institutions accredited by AACSB is a vital step in enhancing academic quality and global competitiveness.

“This collaboration not only opens pathways for curriculum alignment but also empowers students with international learning experiences,” said Dias.

UUM responded enthusiastically to the COIL proposal, highlighting its potential to foster cross-border academic exchange and enrich students’ understanding of contemporary Islamic economics. Discussions covered curriculum structure, teaching methodologies, and assessment systems that could be harmonized between the two institutions.

The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing to form a joint working team to draft formal cooperation documents and design COIL modules for implementation in the upcoming semester.

This initiative reflects UMLA’s ongoing efforts to expand its international network and position its Islamic Economics curriculum as a globally adaptive and collaborative academic model.