Yogyakarta (December 11, 2025) -- Mercu Buana University Yogyakarta (UMBY) established a partnership and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Mangrove Global on Tuesday (December 9, 2025).

The signing was conducted by UMBY Rector Dr. Agus Slamet, STP, and The Mangrove Global Managing Director Widodo, MA, at the Theater Room of the Rectorate Building, Campus 1, Jalan Wates KM 10, Sedayu, Bantul.

In attendance were the Vice Rectors, Deputy Head of the Cooperation and Public Relations Bureau, Head of the Learning Bureau, Dean of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) and his staff. Also present was the founder and teacher trainer of The Mangrove Global, Yuta Otake.

The Rector said that this cooperation is a strategic step to strengthen UMBY's position in the international arena in line with UMBY's vision of becoming a leading university with an international reputation.

Training program

“This cooperation is expected to improve the capabilities and competencies of human resources at UMBY to support the three pillars of higher education through various training programs, workshops, and other activities,” he said.

Meanwhile, Widodo MA explained that his party is ready to collaborate and conduct various forms of knowledge exchange through various activities that can improve the quality of The Mangrove and UMBY in order to have a broader impact.

Not stopping there, this activity was followed by the implementation of guest lectures attended by FKIP students from the Guidance and Counseling, Mathematics Education, English Education, and Sports Science study programs.

They participated in the Enhancing Students' 21st Century Skills Workshop led by Yuta Otake and Widodo from The Mangrove Global.

Mastering the 4Cs

Yuta Otake stated that students must be able to master the 4Cs in developing their abilities, especially in terms of English language skills, namely critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity.

“Students can develop their English language skills through a game where they ask each other questions, forcing them to respond and explain what is being asked. This will encourage students to communicate boldly, think more critically, collaborate on various things, and frame them creatively,” explained Yuta Otake.

The workshop consisted of practical English speaking lessons. They are encouraged to express their opinions innovatively and interactively in groups about various topics, such as their dreams, fond memories from the past year, and their unique characteristics.

They are required to be brave and talk to their groupmates. The event is packaged with several unique games, such as using dice, game boards, folded paper or patterns, and role-playing as transportation, so that students are enthusiastic about learning English.