Globalization renders all aspects to be connected by digital information. The circumstance also demands an educational sector to expand network for its development. Internationalization programs are one of the means of broadening the link. Besides, educational institutions should meet some standards to be listed in global ranking.

At the seminar on International Rankings of Higher Education conducted on Wednesday (28/2) at Building of Kasman Singodimedjo of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), CEO of QS Asia Mandy Mok stated that trends of global rankings emerge due to global flows and trigger higher education to enhance their quality.

“Globalization emboldens higher education to be recognized in international levels. Thus, a greater amount of comparative information exists. It shows that rankings are a vital aspects since an assumption comes up that an institution does not exist if it is not mentioned on the global rankings,” she emphasized.

Mandy explained that the rankings aim to build network. “Networking does not connect people, but it is how to connect people to people, people to ideas, and people to occasions. Rankings lead you to the network and give you an opportunity to leverage it well to develop institutions and empower the people,” asserted Mandy.

The other speakers Samuel Wong, a senior researcher of QS Asia, conveyed that rankings are a bridge. “We need the bridge to link students, parents, government, policy makers and the university. It demonstrates credibility and coin trust,” he maintained.

“UMY is a young university and possesses an influence to go international. This university has to maintain their endeavor to achieve its target and not to be left because academic trends grow greater and greater. You may not feel exhausted and leave over your efforts,” he emphasized.