Monday (15/5), The Rector of University AI-Azhar Indonesia (UAI), Prof. Dr. Ir. Asep Saefuddin, visited Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta (UMJ) to attend the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Signing Ceremony that is participated by 21 Universities of Indonesia and 13 Universities of the People’s Republic of China. The event that took place at the Dr. Syafri Guricci, M.Sc. Hall, 5th floor of the Medical Science and Health Building of UMJ, is organized by China’s University and College Admission System (CUCAS) and Indonesia-China University Alliance (ICUA). In the first agenda, it was opened by Prof. Dr. Gunawan Suryoputro, M.Hum (Chief of ICUA), Mr. Gran Wu (Secretary of ICUA), Dr. Ma’mun Murod, M.Si (Rector of UMJ), and Dr. Paristiyanti Nurwardhani, M.Sc (Head of LLDIKTI Region 3) in welcoming speeches.  

“WHO chief has declared an end to COVID-19 as a global health emergency, this would be the moment for Indonesia and China to maximize their cooperation and communication by having moments like this”. The speaker explained in the opening remarks.

On the occasion, the collaboration that UAI and 5 Universities of from the People’s Republic of China which involves Hubei University of Science and Technology, Northeast Forestry University, Wuhan Sports University, Shandong Water Conservancy Vocational College, and Guizhou Medical University, agreed to cooperate in advancing the two countries education systems. The initiation of collaboration involves the development of joint courses and education programs, exchange of students, lecturers, and researchers, exchange of information including the exchange of library materials and research publications, joint conferences, seminars and workshops, joint student activities, and joint use of equipment, facilities and resources. These agreements are expected to bring all the planned programs to be implemented as soon as possible to advance our education system between the two countries which is very crucial today.

After the event, Prof. Asep expressed his thoughts. He elaborated that Indonesia and China established diplomatic relations since 1950 as following that year, the two countries have collaborated in advancing their countries in many fields, especially in education. This brings all higher education institutions to be obligated to advance their quality education from time to time.

It’s my belief the action that has been taken by Indonesia-China University Alliance is the living proof to support the SDGs Goals.” (Prof. Asep)

At the end of the event, Prof. Asep handed over all the souvenirs to all the members of ICUA and took photos of their ceremony. Accompanying the Rector of UAI, there are Dr. Ir. Ade Jamal (Vice Rector IV for Innovation and Cooperation) and Muchammad Nasucha, S.S., M.Si. (Head of the Division of Academic, Research, and Industrial Cooperation) (TSH).