Mataram, March 7, 2025 – SINO Education Centre, Malaysia, the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Mataram, and the Tuan Guru Haji Umar Kelayu Foundation have officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to strengthen academic cooperation and sustainable agricultural development. The signing ceremony took place at Building A, 2nd Floor, Meeting Room of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mataram, attended by various key stakeholders.

This MOA aims to Strengthen, Promote, and Develop Academic Cooperation Between the Parties on the Basis of Equality and Mutual Benefit. In its implementation, the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Mataram, through the Agrotechnology Study Program, will play a role in assisting the application of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for key commodities in the Sembalun agro-tourism area and exploring potential marketing collaborations between Indonesia and Malaysia through digital marketing.

Attendees of the signing ceremony included:

• Prof. Ir. M. Sarjan, M.Agr. CP., Ph.D – Head of Cooperation, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mataram
• Dr. Ahmad Lani, M.Ed – Director of SINO Education Centre (represented by Mujahidin Hasanul Bisri, M.Soc)
• Prof. Ir. Bambang Dipokusumo, M.Si – Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mataram
• Ir. Jayaputra, M.Si – Head of the Agrotechnology Study Program, University of Mataram
• Fadlullah Abdul Latif – Chairman of the Tuan Guru Haji Umar Kelayu Foundation

In his speech, Prof. Ir. M. Sarjan, M.Agr. CP., Ph.D stated that this collaboration is a strategic step to support sustainable agricultural development in West Nusa Tenggara. “With this collaboration, we hope to strengthen academic capacity, enhance the skills of local farmers, and open up broader opportunities for marketing agricultural products at the international level,” he said.

Similarly, Prof. Ir. Bambang Dipokusumo, M.Si, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Mataram, also expressed his appreciation for this partnership. “This cooperation not only strengthens academic ties between the University of Mataram and SINO Education Centre but also brings tangible benefits to the agricultural sector in West Nusa Tenggara, particularly in increasing the application of modern agricultural technology and expanding market access,” he stated.

The signing of this MOA is expected to be the beginning of closer collaboration in academics, research, and agricultural development between Indonesia and Malaysia. With the synergy between educational institutions and social foundations, it is hoped that the sustainability and welfare of farmers and local communities will continue to improve.

Following the MOA signing, the event was concluded with a communal iftar (breaking of the fast), fostering a warm and collaborative atmosphere among all attendees. This moment of togetherness further strengthened the bonds between the partnering institutions and emphasized the spirit of mutual cooperation beyond academic and professional commitments.