August 4, 2025 — The Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT), under the leadership of President Dr. Arnel B. Millesca, officially forged an international academic partnership with one of Indonesia’s top higher education institutions, Universitas Brawijaya, through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) held in Malang, Indonesia.
The MOU outlines collaborative efforts in the following key areas: faculty and students mobility, graduate and undergraduate student exchange, sharing of scientific materials, publications, and information, cultural exchange programs, joint academic conferences and programs, and collaborative research and publications.
The MOU was formally signed by Dr. Millesca and Professor Dr. Widodo, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D. Med.Sc., Rector of Universitas Brawijaya. The event was also witnessed by the university’s vice rectors, including Vice rector of academic affairs Prof. Dr. Ir. Imam Santoso, MP., Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Alumni and Student Entrepreneurship Dr. Setiawan Noerdajasakti, SH., MH., the Director of International Office Dr. Didik Hartono, S.S, M.Pd, Secretary of International Office Henny Rosalinda, S.IP., M.A., Ph.D, Deans of various faculties, and International Relations Officers of different faculties, highlighting the significance of the partnership.
Further strengthening the alliance, both institutions immediately signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) specifically focused on the development of information technology and computer science programs.
The MOA involves collaboration between Universitas Brawijaya’s Faculty of Computer Science and DEBESMSCAT’s College of Arts and Sciences, particularly its Computer Science and Information Systems programs.
Representing Universitas Brawijaya for the MOA signing were Faculty of Computer Science Dean Ir. Tri Astoto Kurniawan, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., IPM. and Head of International Relations Office Muhammad Ali Fauzi, Ph.D. Dr. Fauzi also previously served as a plenary speaker during DEBESMSCAT’s 2nd International Research Opportunities, Development, and Extension Outcomes (IRODEO) Conference 2025 held in Masbate City.
Universitas Brawijaya, an autonomous public university based in East Java, is currently ranked 680th in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and 44th in Asia. It is recognized as the 4th top university in Indonesia.
Joining Dr. Millesca in representing DEBESMSCAT at the ceremonial signing were College of Education Dean Dr. Raiza Padasas and International Relations Office Director Dr. Nikki Faith Bantillo.
This international partnership marks a significant step in DEBESMSCAT’s efforts to expand its global academic linkages, enhance research and innovation, and provide world-class opportunities for its faculty and students mobility.
Ladies and gentlemen,
