Analysis of International Cooperation Management between UNPAB and PTSS Malaysia in Enhancing the Competence of Human Resources at Mangga Harum Manis MSMEs

Abstract

International cooperation in higher education has become a strategic mechanism for strengthening institutional capacity and expanding universities' contributions to community economic development, particularly among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that continue to face challenges in human resource competency development. This study aimed to analyze the management of international cooperation between Universitas Pembangunan Panca Budi (UNPAB), Indonesia, and Politeknik Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin (PTSS), Malaysia, in enhancing the competencies of human resources involved in Mangga Harum Manis MSMEs. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, with data collected through interviews, observations, and document analysis involving five purposively selected informants representing UNPAB, PTSS, and the participating MSMEs. The findings indicated that the partnership supported human resource competency development through knowledge sharing, training, mentoring, technology transfer, and exchanges of practical experience. These activities addressed business operators' needs in management, product development, digital marketing, entrepreneurship, and business sustainability. However, the implementation of the partnership encountered coordination challenges arising from differences in institutional procedures, scheduling arrangements, communication practices, and geographical distance. Additional limitations included insufficient follow-up mentoring and evaluation practices that emphasized participation in activities rather than measurable competency improvements. The study concluded that international higher education partnerships could contribute to MSME human resource development when supported by effective cooperation management. Strengthening program planning, institutional coordination, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation through clearly defined competency indicators and continuous mentoring was therefore recommended to improve the sustainability and potential long-term contribution of these partnerships to MSME competitiveness.