The Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) of Muhammadiyah University of Cirebon (UMC), in collaboration with Philippine Women’s University (PWU), is organizing The 1st International Conference and Doctoral Research Presentation 2026. This international conference carries the theme “Global Social and Business Transformation: Innovation, Sustainability, and Strategic Leadership in the Digital Era,” highlighting the importance of innovation, sustainability, and strategic leadership in facing global changes in the digital era.

The event, scheduled to take place from April 16-18, 2026, will be held in a hybrid format, combining in-person and online sessions, allowing participation from academics, researchers, and practitioners from various countries.

This conference features a number of keynote speakers from higher education institutions and international organizations. Among them are the Chancellor of Philippine Women's University, Prof. Dr. Felina C. Young; Rector of State University of Jakarta, Prof. Dr. Komarudin; Head of LLDIKTI Region VI Central Java, Prof. Dr. Aisyah Endah Palupi; Education and Cultural Attaché of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in the Philippines, Prof. Nina Yulianti; Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Philippines, Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis; Prof. Emer. Dr. Barjoyai Bardai from Management and Science University (Malaysia); and Nozomi Kawarazuka from the International Potato Center (CIAT). The presence of these speakers is expected to enrich scientific perspectives and strengthen the international reputation of the conference.

The Head of the Management Study Program at FEB UMC, Puspa Dewi Yulianti, M.M., stated that the collaboration between PWU and FEB UMC is a strategic step in expanding international academic networks. According to her, this collaboration opens broader opportunities for both lecturers and students to engage in global scientific forums, improve research quality, and expand the impact of the research outcomes produced.

As one of the speakers at the conference, Puspa also appreciated the participation of academics from various countries who will share their experiences and perspectives according to their areas of expertise. She assessed that the diversity of backgrounds of participants and speakers would be an added value that could enrich scientific discussions and encourage the emergence of various international cooperation opportunities in the future.

As a follow-up to the collaboration, Universitas Muhammadiyah Cirebon and Philippine Women's University also plan to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement will serve as the basis for developing cooperation in education, research, training, academic exchange, and various programs that support the improvement of human resource quality.

In the cooperation document, it is explained that Philippine Women's University is one of the leading higher education institutions in the Philippines, known for its commitment to providing inclusive, transformative, and quality higher education. Meanwhile, Universitas Muhammadiyah Cirebon has strengths in the development of education and research oriented towards multicultural values, local wisdom, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

The two institutions share a vision of building mutually beneficial partnerships through the development of academic programs, collaborative research, and human resource capacity building. This collaboration is expected to strengthen knowledge exchange, expand international networks, and generate various innovations that benefit higher education.

Besides presenting research results, this conference also features panel discussions, idea exchange forums, and academic networking sessions involving doctoral students, researchers, lecturers, industry practitioners, and policymakers. Through these various activities, participants gain opportunities to present scientific work, expand research collaborations, and build sustainable professional relationships.

The organization of this conference is expected to be a strategic platform for various stakeholders to share knowledge, research findings, and innovations relevant to the developments in social and business transformation globally. Thus, the collaboration between PWU and FEB UMC becomes a tangible step in strengthening university internationalization while enhancing academic contributions to community development in the digital era.