SEOUL – The Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) Universitas Terbuka (UT) continues to strengthen its position on the international stage through a strategic collaboration with the Halal Advancement Institute of Korea (HAI). The signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), which took place on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at the HAI headquarters in Itaewon, South Korea, marks a new chapter in the internationalization of education and research at FEB UT, particularly in the fields of Islamic economics and the halal industry.
The Dean of FEB UT, Dr. Meirani Harsasi, directly signed the MoA with the President of HAI, Hussein Kim Dong Eok, Ph.D. This agreement opens up broad opportunities for collaboration in the Tri Dharma of Higher Education (education, research, and community service), including the organization of innovative e-lecturing, the implementation of collaborative research relevant to the development of the global halal industry, and international community service focused on education and empowerment of halal-related communities.
HAI, as an integral part of the Korea Muslim Federation (KMF), has played a crucial role in halal certification in South Korea since 1994. Cooperation with leading institutions such as HAI provides a competitive advantage for FEB UT, especially for the Islamic Economics Study Program. Students and lecturers will have access to the latest knowledge and expertise regarding international halal industry standards and practices. Although the primary focus is on Islamic Economics, this collaboration also opens up the potential for internationalization for other study programs within FEB UT, enriching the global perspective in various disciplines of economics and business.
Also present at the signing ceremony were the Vice-Rector for Finance, Resources, and General Affairs of UT, Prof. Dr. Ali Muktiyanto, S.E., M.Si., who demonstrated full support from the university leadership for FEB’s internationalization initiatives. The Vice Dean for Academic Affairs of FEB UT, Dr. Kurnia Endah Riana, S.E., M.Com, as well as two FEB lecturers with expertise in related fields, Dr. Rini Dwiyani Hadiwidjaja, S.E., M.Si., and Halim Dedy Perdana, Ph.D., also attended to strengthen FEB’s commitment to the implementation of this collaboration.
The President of HAI, Hussein Kim Dong Eok, Ph.D., warmly welcomed this collaboration and expressed his belief that the synergy between FEB UT and HAI will make a significant contribution to the development of the global halal industry. The presence of the Vice President of HAI, H. Ahmad Cho Min Haeng, the Secretary General of HAI, Dr. Abdullah Koh Hee Song, and the Deputy Secretary General, Ms. Safiya Kang Nayeon, further emphasized HAI’s seriousness in establishing this productive partnership.
This strategic cooperation with HAI is a tangible step for FEB UT in realizing its vision of becoming a Faculty of Economics and Business that provides world-class distance higher education. Through this collaboration, FEB UT not only enhances academic and research quality but also provides significant added value for students through the potential for knowledge exchange, research collaboration, and opportunities to engage in issues of Islamic economics and the halal industry at the international level. This is a manifestation of UT’s commitment to continuous innovation and providing education relevant to global needs.
