University Al-Azhar Indonesia (UAI) welcomed a delegation from Shenzhen University, led by Vice President Mr. Zhou Hui, to discuss further cooperation and exchange opportunities between the two institutions. The meeting focused on deepening ties in various fields, including teaching, scientific research, student training, and cultural exchange.
Strengthening Academic Ties
Prof. Dr. Ir. Asep Saefuddin, M.Sc., the Rector of UAI, opened the meeting by highlighting the importance of collaboration between UAI and the Confucius Institutes across Indonesia. He emphasized UAI’s commitment to optimizing international cooperation, particularly in science, technology, and language education. UAI is a key player in the network of 9 Confucius Institutes in Indonesia, coordinating closely with institutions such as University Al-Azhar Indonesia (UAI) in Jakarta, Maranatha University in Bandung, and State University of Surabaya.
“We are thrilled to strengthen our collaboration with Shenzhen University, especially in the context of science and technology innovation,” said Prof. Saefuddin. “As China continues to lead in these areas, UAI is eager to learn from Shenzhen University’s progress and expertise in these fields, which will further benefit our students and faculty.”
A Vision for International Collaboration
Mr. Zhou Hui, Vice President of Shenzhen University, expressed his enthusiasm about the growing partnership between Shenzhen University and UAI. Shenzhen University, a modern and innovative institution located in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, has rapidly risen in academic reputation, ranking around 25th in China. Mr. Zhou highlighted the university’s success in integrating education with industry, including the founding of influential companies such as Tencent by its alumni.
“We believe that this visit will serve as a foundation for fruitful exchanges in education, research, and cultural understanding,” said Mr. Zhou. “Shenzhen University is committed to fostering global collaborations, and we are excited to offer scholarships and opportunities for students from UAI to study in China.”
Future Collaborative Initiatives
The discussions during the meeting focused on a wide range of future opportunities aimed at strengthening the relationship between UAI and Shenzhen University. One of the key topics was the potential for sending UAI students to study at Shenzhen University, particularly in fields such as law, science, and technology. A proposal was also put forward for law students to participate in exchange programs with prestigious Chinese universities, including Peking University. This initiative is intended to provide UAI students with valuable international experience and exposure to different legal systems, enhancing their academic and professional development. Furthermore, Shenzhen University extended an invitation for UAI faculty members to collaborate on research in Chinese law, which would provide an exciting opportunity for UAI academics to engage in cross-cultural and interdisciplinary research with experts from China. This collaboration is expected to deepen the understanding of Chinese legal frameworks and foster innovation in law education.
To formalize these efforts, a document agreement was signed during the meeting, further solidifying the ties between the two institutions. The agreement will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth implementation of these initiatives and facilitate ongoing cooperation. Prof. Saefuddin highlighted UAI’s commitment to enhancing the global perspective of its students, with an emphasis on encouraging participation in international exchange programs that enrich both their academic and cultural experiences. This partnership, now formalized, will create opportunities for collaborative research, student exchanges, and joint academic projects. In the future, it is expected that new collaborations will be opened, benefiting both UAI and Shenzhen University. These efforts will not only contribute to academic growth but also foster greater cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Indonesia and China, further strengthening the bilateral ties between the two nations.
Looking Ahead
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to formalize the collaboration and continue exploring opportunities for student exchanges, joint research, and academic partnerships. UAI also expressed interest in exploring vocational education initiatives, particularly in health sciences, and welcomed advice and collaboration from Shenzhen University in these areas. (DA)
