Indonesia and Korea have shared a historical and profound relation, as both countries relished more than 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2023. The two countries foster their close cooperation in many fields especially in cooperation in the education sector. Taking part to advance this, University Al-Azhar Indonesia (UAI) and Kaya University, Korea have agreed to start their initial collaboration. The cooperation involves the education, research, and community service which is officially signed in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Thursday (24/8) in the Rectorate Room, 2nd floor of UAI. The event was attended by Prof. Lee, Sang-Hee, Ph.D Politics (Chief Director of Kaya University & Daegu Technical University), Prof. Kim Jongho (Chief of International Relations of Kaya University), and Mr. Woo, Staff of Kaya University.
In the opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Ir. Asep Saefuddin, M.Sc. (Rector of UAI) welcomed all the guests by introducing of UAI. He said that UAI is a private higher-education institution located in the urban setting of the large metropolis of Jakarta that was established in 2000. UAI is under the auspices of the Al-Azhar Islamic Boarding School Foundation (YPIA) which is very well accredited by National Accreditation Board for Higher Education (BAN PT) and it has from kindergarten to higher education. Since then, UAI has actively socialized the integration of knowledge. During more than 20 years, persistently to produce graduates who are innovative, responsive, creative, skilled, competitive, and cooperative, UAI currently has had six Faculties, 19 Bachelor’s Degree Programs and three Master’s Degree Program. In response to the challenges during this new normal, UAI offers the blended learning method that is fully supported by digital technology usage.
UAI does not have a Korean Department, it is his belief that collaboration can be extended into Korean specialization as Korea’s influence today is a world wide’s new market and it is not only teaching, community service, but also research’s collaboration. I’m happy to sign the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Kaya University.
(Prof. Asep)
On that occasion, Prof. Kim expressed his gratitude to UAI for welcoming them to advance the collaboration between the two universities. Kaya University, which was established in 1993, is a private higher education institution located in the medium-sized town of Goryeong-gun (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), North Gyeongsang. Officially accredited/recognized by the Ministry of Education, Korea, Kaya University is a coeducational higher education institution. Kaya University offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees in several areas of study. Kaya University also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, as well as administrative services. Furthermore, as he often visits Indonesia, he is very passionate in teaching about developing competency, tips to have a successful future, and all its related things in public lectures for the youth both in Korea and Indonesia. It is his hope that he can provide some public lectures in UAI.
Apart from that, Prof. Lee, Sang-Hee, Ph.d gave his words in the agenda. He thanked UAI for being so collaborative to them. He elaborated that in Kaya University there are lots of Indonesian students and it would be glad if UAI’s students can visit his university as well. Moreover, when he came to UAI, he was impressed by its environment as it was his first time seeing an Islamic based university. Adding some more, he said that it is a pleasure to work together with Muslim community especially in education and he looks forward for the implementations that need to be planned as soon as possible.
Accompanying the Rector, there are all the Vice Rectors of UAI, Dr. Drs. Zirmansyah, M.Pd. (Vice Rector I for Academic Affairs), Ir. Ade Suryanti, M.M. IPU. (Vice Rector II for Resources), and Dr. Faisal Hendra, Lc., M.A. (Vice Rector III for Student Affairs and Alumni), Dr. Heri Herdiawanto, S.Pd., M.Si. (Dean of Faculty of Social and Political Science), Dr. Lusi Lian Piantari, S.S., M.Hum. (Dean of Faculty of Humanities), Dr. Fidesrinur (Dean Faculty of Psychology and Education), and Dr. Suartini, S.H., M.H.(Head od Law Department), and Sisca Debyola Widuhung, S.E., M.Si. (Head of Management Department). (TSH)