The physics dual degree is a cooperation between the Master’s Program in Physics at Diponegoro University (UNDIP) and the Master of Science in Physics at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). Both sides discussed it at a strategic meeting at the Faculty of Science, UTM, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, on October 5, 2026. The meeting produced an aligned curriculum, a joint roadmap, and an Implementation of Arrangement document.
Online Discussion to Prepare the Physics Dual Degree
Before the face-to-face meeting, academic representatives from both universities held an intensive online discussion on September 28, 2026. The virtual meeting brought together Dr Maisarah Binti Duralim, Dr Izyan Hazwani Binti Hashim, and Dr Nor Muhainiah Binti Mohd Ali from UTM. Dr Eng Ali Khumaeni, Dr Eng Udi Harmoko, and Dr Pandji Triadyaksa joined from UNDIP.
The discussion focused on reviewing curriculum documents and technical academic information. This review prepared both sides for a deeper talk at the October meeting. In addition, both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to build a dual degree program. They also reaffirmed their commitment to align the curriculum. This alignment supports student mobility and academic recognition between the two universities.
Follow-Up Meeting at the UTM Campus in Johor Bahru
This strategic meeting is an important milestone. It strengthens international academic collaboration and improves the quality of postgraduate education in physics. The follow-up meeting took place on October 5, 2026, at the UTM campus in Johor Bahru. Academic leaders and lecturers from the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, UTM, welcomed the UNDIP delegation. The delegation consisted of Dr Eng Udi Harmoko and Dr Pandji Triadyaksa.
The meeting took place in the Main Meeting Room, C17. Dr Izyan Hazwani Binti Hashim, Dr Nor Muhainiah Binti Mohd Ali, and Dr Maisarah Binti Duralim attended. Dr Norehan Binti Mohd Nor, Dr Ganesan A/L Krishnan, Dr Abd Khamim Bin Ismail, Dr Koh Meng Hock, and Mdm Masleeyati Bt Yusop also joined.
Main Discussion on the Physics Dual Degree Program
The discussion focused on developing the proposed physics dual degree program at the master’s level between UNDIP and UTM. Topics included designing student study paths, integrating the curriculum, and mapping the courses that both institutions offer. Moreover, the academic teams reviewed the equivalence of learning outcomes. They also reviewed the mechanism for credit transfer and academic recognition, as well as student mobility schemes. They aimed to ensure an integrated and sustainable learning experience on both campuses.
Besides academic matters, both sides explored opportunities for research collaboration, joint academic projects, and thesis writing under co-supervision. Through this program, students should gain broader international academic experience. They should also strengthen their research capacity and raise their global competitiveness as Master of Physics graduates.
To support implementation, the UNDIP and UTM teams also met Associate Professor Dr Norazrena Binti Abu Samah, Deputy Dean for Academic and Student Affairs. Dr Norazrena holds the post at the School of Graduate Studies (SPS) UTM. In addition, this session gave a comprehensive understanding of UTM’s postgraduate academic regulations, especially those on running a dual degree program. The discussion covered student admission and registration procedures, credit transfer policies, and course equivalence mechanisms. It also covered the academic evaluation system, graduation requirements, and degree award procedures.
Administration and quality assurance also played an important part. Both institutions committed to ensuring that the dual degree implementation meets the academic standards and regulations of each university. Their shared commitment to academic excellence and lasting cooperation forms the main foundation for developing this program.
Joint Roadmap and Signing of the Implementation of Arrangement
One main achievement of these discussions is the completed curriculum alignment. It covers UNDIP’s Master’s Program in Physics and UTM’s Master of Science in Physics. Furthermore, both institutions drafted a joint roadmap. It guides the implementation and development of the dual degree cooperation in the next stage.
As a sign of their commitment to international academic cooperation, UNDIP and UTM agreed on and signed the Implementation of Arrangement (IA) document. This document forms the basis for the physics dual degree program and other collaborative activities. Those activities include student mobility, joint research and supervision, and Visiting Professor and Adjunct Professor programs. They also include symposiums, workshops, Focus Group Discussions (FGD), and Studium Generale between the two study programs.
Overall, signing the IA marks a strategic step toward realizing the planned cooperation. It also opens the door to a lasting and mutually beneficial partnership. Therefore, through this collaboration, both institutions hope to produce graduates with excellent academic competence, a global outlook, and strong international experience.
Through this initiative, UNDIP and UTM again affirm their shared commitment to develop quality higher education. They also aim to strengthen international research networks and promote the internationalization of postgraduate education in physics.
Source: this event involved Diponegoro University and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.