26/06/2026
Global Partnerships for the Future of Communication Studies!
Mapúa MCL Partners with Indonesia’s ASPIKOM to Advance Global Communication Studies
Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) has formalized a strategic partnership with the Association of Higher Education Institutions in Communication Studies in Jakarta, Indonesia, widely known as Asosiasi Pendidikan Tinggi Ilmu Komunikasi (ASPIKOM) Jabodetabek. As the regional branch representing universities across Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi, ASPIKOM Jabodetabek works to standardize academic curricula and elevate educational standards by bridging gaps between academia, industry, and government entities to tackle modern communication challenges.
To kick off this collaboration, Prof. James Ronald O. Mesina, Mapúa MCL’s Vice President for External Linkages, Internationalization, and Transnational Education (ELITE), served as a plenary speaker at the ASPIKOM regional meeting on June 24, 2026. Hosted by Universitas Esa Unggul in Jakarta, Prof. Mesina delivered a keynote lecture titled "ASEAN Voice: A Strategic Playbook for Internationalization in Communication Studies" to an audience of over 40 Deans and Program Chairpersons from ASPIKOM member universities.
A major highlight of the event was the official signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Mapúa MCL and twelve prominent Indonesian higher education institutions. The participating universities include:
- Universitas Esa Unggul
- Syekh Yusuf Islamic University (UNIS)
- Institut STIAMI
- Universitas Satya Negara Indonesia (USNI)
- Universitas Bakrie
- Universitas Indonesia Maju (UIMA)
- Universitas Media Nusantara Citra (MNC University)
- Universitas Paramadina
- Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Jakarta (UTA'45)
- University of Al Azhar Indonesia (UAI)
- Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH)
- Universitas Gunadarma
These mutual agreements focus heavily on promoting cross-border internationalization and robust academic collaborations within the field of Communication Studies. This sweeping initiative directly aligns with Mapúa MCL’s vision of becoming a global steeple of excellence in professional education and research, while actively advancing United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4 (Quality Education) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Photos from: Universitas Esa Unggul Branding Bureau