UNIDA Gontor – Tuesday (17/06/2025), University of Darussalam (UNIDA) Gontor officially welcomed a delegation from the Majlis Agama Islam dan Adat Istiadat Melayu Kelantan (MAIK), Malaysia, during a visit that culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at establishing institutional cooperation across multiple academic and strategic domains.
The delegation, comprising 14 esteemed representatives from MAIK, was warmly received by the Rector of UNIDA Gontor, Prof. Dr. K.H. Hamid Fahmy Zarkasyi, M.A.Ed., M.Phil., along with the Vice Rector for Cooperation and International Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Khoirul Umam, M.Ec., and the Head of the International Office, Al-Ustadz Eko Nur Cahyo, Ph.D.
The agenda began with a formal welcome address by the Rector, who expressed his deep appreciation for the visit and underscored the importance of academic partnerships in promoting Islamic higher education. This was followed by a comprehensive presentation and dialogue session exploring Gontor’s historical foundations, philosophical framework, waqf-based governance, and its mission as a modern Islamic institution rooted in the pesantren tradition.
The highlight of the visit was the signing of the MoU between UNIDA Gontor and MAIK. The agreement was signed by Prof. Dr. K.H. Hamid Fahmy Zarkasyi on behalf of UNIDA Gontor and by Dato’ Haji Mohd Anis bin Hussein, Deputy President (Timbalan Yang Dipertua) of MAIK, Malaysia. The MoU outlines a framework for collaboration in areas such as human resource development, education, curriculum and pedagogy, research, and other joint initiatives aimed at mutual benefit and shared progress.
To conclude the programme, the MAIK delegation was invited to tour Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor, gaining firsthand insight into the educational environment, institutional values, and integrated boarding system that form the backbone of Gontor’s educational philosophy.
This collaboration marks a pivotal step in UNIDA Gontor’s ongoing internationalisation efforts and reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to advancing Islamic educational excellence, fostering intercultural understanding, and upholding the values of the global Muslim scholarly community.
Redaction: Khairul Umam
Editor: Rifki Aulia
