Yogyakarta, October 20, 2025 .Five students from the Faculty of Ushuluddin and Islamic Thought (FUPI), UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, accompanied by Muammar Qadafy, Ph.D., have been warmly welcomed by the Faculty of Islamic Studies (FPI) at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). The students are now ready to attend their academic programs and have been provided with comfortable and well-prepared accommodation.Muammar Qadafy, PhD shared that this visit not only marks a valuable academic experience for students studying abroad but also opens the door for future collaborations between FUPI UIN Sunan Kalijaga and FPI UKM across undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. A formal discussion was held between representatives of both institutions, attended by delegates from FUPI’s International Office, Dean of FPI Prof. Dato’ Mohd Izhar Ariff, Head of the Qur’an and Sunnah Program Dr. Haziyah Hussin, Undergraduate Program Coordinator Dr. Mohd. Manawi, and Postgraduate Program Coordinator Dr. Ahmad Fakhrurrazi Mohammed Zabidi.

Several potential areas of collaboration were identified during the meeting, including:

1. Student Exchange Program
   Both parties agreed on the possibility of student exchanges through a transfer credit scheme. UKM has expressed interest in sending 5–10 students to FUPI in the upcoming semester. Likewise, FUPI students are encouraged to participate in similar exchange programs in the following semesters — an important step to broaden their academic confidence and global exposure.

2. Joint Research Initiatives
   Research collaboration between FUPI and FPI has been ongoing since 2024 under a matching grant scheme, involving lecturers from the Qur’anic Studies program. The first co-authored article is expected to be published soon. Looking ahead, both institutions aim to expand their involvement in the AIR FUND 2025 research program. With UKM ranked 120th in the QS World University Rankings, the collaboration presents strong potential for international research synergy.

3. Visiting Scholar Program
   UKM has expressed its openness to hosting expert exchanges — allowing professors and lecturers from both institutions to engage in teaching or research activities. Funding may come from each university independently or through government-supported initiatives in Malaysia.

4. Scopus-Indexed Journal Collaboration
   FPI UKM manages two Scopus-indexed journals — Islamiyat and IJIT. Both faculties have agreed to explore opportunities for cooperation in manuscript exchange and journal development initiatives.

5. Joint Lectures and Thesis Supervision
   The joint thesis supervision program has already begun, involving two FUPI students currently in the UKM exchange program. One research project on the Korean Translation of the Qur’an will be co-supervised by Dr. Muammar Qadafy and Dr. Haziyah Hussin, while another on the Sign Language Qur’an will be jointly supervised by Ms. Umma and Dr. Hamdi, a sign language expert from UKM.

Dr. Muammar Qadafy emphasized that this partnership reflects FUPI’s commitment to expanding international academic networks and cultivating a culture of exploration among its students.

“May this small step inspire a change in mindset and shape the future direction of our students. Stop waiting, start exploring!” he concluded.