Thursina IIBS Expands Partnerships in Vocational Education, Signs MoUs with Polinema and Akamigas Polytechnic
In an effort to widen partnership with vocational higher education institutes, Thursina International Islamic Boarding School (IIBS) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two renowned polytechnics; State Polytechnic of Malang (Polinema) on April 27 and of Energy and Mineral (PEM Akamigas), Blora on March 13.
Ustadz A. Ali Syihabuddin, M.Pd., Principal of SMA Thursina IIBS, noted that these MoUs are a strategic step for Thursina IIBS to improve the quality of education and expand partnerships with other educational institutions, particularly in the vocational education field. "The partnership with Polinema and Akamigas Polytechnic is solely a way of improving the quality of education to provide mutual benefits for each institution," he explained.
According to Ustadz Ali, the MoUs between Thursina IIBS and the two institutions outline a commitment to collaborate on various initiatives. These include implementation of the University Tri Dharma at Thursina IIBS, implementation of the emancipated learning program (merdeka belajar), knowledge and experience exchanges, teacher training and development, and development of educational curricula. “This partnership also aims to expose our students to institutions that provide skills-based and applied science education, it is an effort to prepare them for the challenges of an increasingly complex job market,” he added.
The signing of the memoranda of understanding took place at different places. The first MoU was signed in the Senate Room of the Graha Polinema Building. In attendance were Mr. Supriatna Adhisuwignjo, M.T., the Director of Polinema, representing the polytechnic, and Ustadz Muhammad Rajab, M.Pd.I., representing Thursina IIBS. The MoU with Akamigas Polytechnic was signed in the Thursina IIBS Meeting Room and was attended by Mrs. Dr. Erdila Indriani, S.Si., M.T., the Director of Akamigas Polytechnic; Ustadz M. Rajab, M.Pd.I., Chief of Education at Thursina IIBS; and several principals of academic affairs at Thursina IIBS, including Ustadz A. Ali Syihabuddin, M.Pd., Ustadz Rois Haqiqi, M.Pd., and Ustadz M. Mahrus Afif, S.Psi.
Ustadz Ali hoped that these partnerships could be a promising start for all three institutions to strengthen their relationships and expand their educational collaboration. Moving forward, these partnerships can be developed on a broader scale, creating opportunities for study scholarships for Thursina IIBS students at both educational institutions.
“Hopefully, in the future, these partnerships can facilitate our students’ further studies in prestigious institutions, so they can gain knowledge and skills according to their interests in their respective majors,” he concluded.