Last May 12, 2024, MSU at Naawan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), Indonesia. The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Mohammad Basyuni, a distinguished professor from USU, and Dr. Bejo Slamet, Secretary of the Center of Excellence for Mangrove at USU.

The MOU aims to strengthen the relationship between the two universities by promoting joint educational activities, research projects, and community service initiatives. Meanwhile, the MOA focuses on the exchange of faculty, scholars, and students, as well as the sharing of academic information and materials. This exchange is expected to enhance research and educational processes and foster mutual understanding among faculty, scholars, and students.

Additionally, MSU at Naawan, through the efforts of faculty scientist Dr. Venus E. Leopardas, signed another MOA for the eDNA Project. This project will see both universities participating in the Strategic International Collaboration Research Program (SICORP). The collaboration involves the Center of Excellence for Mangroves and the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), facilitating joint research activities.

Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa expressed enthusiasm for the new partnership, highlighting the planned future academic and research collaborations. Dr. Roa noted the similarities in research programs between MSUN and USU, which will ease the collaborative process and enhance the potential for impactful outcomes.

This partnership marks a promising new chapter in international academic cooperation, with both institutions benefiting from the shared knowledge and collaborative efforts.