(Curitiba – Brazil, 8 May 2025) – Rector of Universitas Terbuka (UT) – Dr. Mohamad Yunus, M.A., has officially signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with three prominent Brazilian distance higher education institutions, the University Center of Maringa (UNICESUMAR), Leonardo da Vinci University Center (UNIASSELVI), and the Virtual University of the State of Sao Paulo (UNIVESP), during his participation as a speaker at 30º Congresso Internacional ABED de Educação a Distância (CIAED) held by Associação Brasileira de Educação a Distância in Curitiba – Brazil, accompanied by Vice Rector for Academic Affairs – Rahmat Budiman, M.Hum., Ph.D. These agreements mark a significant step in UT’s vision to enhance its global academic, research, and community service initiatives.
The signing ceremonies, described as momentous occasions, signal the beginning of strategic and beneficial partnerships aimed at collaboratively advancing education, research, and community development services between the UT and its Brazilian counterparts.
The collaboration aligns perfectly with UT’s commitment to providing quality, innovative, accessible, inclusive, and globally relevant education. By partnering with respected institutions like UNICESUMAR, UNIASSELVI, and UNIVESP, UT aims to enrich both its own academic environment and contribute positively to the broader global academic community.
A notable aspect highlighted during the signing with the new three partners is that this marks UT’s first partnership with fellow distance universities in the Latin American region, paving the way for potential groundbreaking advancements in distance teaching and learning methods through shared experiences.
Speaking at the signing ceremonies, the Rector of UT sincerely thanked the colleagues at UNICESUMAR, UNIASSELVI, and UNIVESP for their willingness to form these partnerships. The Rector emphasized the eager anticipation of exploring dynamic opportunities together.
Future collaborative endeavors envisioned under these MoUs include joint research initiatives, impactful community service projects, and advancements in innovative teaching and learning methodologies. These joint efforts are expected to strengthen the institutions involved and contribute positively to society, particularly in Indonesia and Brazil.
Attendees at the respective ceremonies included key representatives from the Brazilian universities, such as Prof. Wilson de Matos Silva – President of UNICESUMAR and Danilo Camargo de Oliveira – International Office Supervisor of UNICESUMAR. Prof. Marcos Augusto Francisco Borges, Ph.D. – President of UNIVESP and Ricardo Edgard Caceffo – Technical Advisor to the Presidency of UNIVESP, as well as Dr. Valdecir Antônio Simão – Rector of UNIASSELVI.
The Rector concluded the remarks by thanking everyone who contributed to the significant milestone, celebrating the new partnerships, and looking forward to a future rich with collective accomplishments and shared growth that will benefit all parties.
