Universitas Gadjah Mada, in collaboration with KAGAMA held an event to greet alumni in Great Britain on Saturday (13/02). Approximately 50 alumni in Great Britain, university leaders, and Kagama representatives were present in the event titled “The Strategic Role of Alumni in Supporting UGM as a World Class University”
This alumni gathering is an effort to improve UGM’s reputation towards a World Class University (WCU). This event also strengthened the tie between UGM and its alumni abroad, one of which is Great Britain. Presenting in the event were the Indonesian Ambassador to the UK and Ireland, Dr. Desra Percaya; UK alumni representative, Ir. Wayan Gunawan; and alumni who have worked in England and its surroundings.
Dr. Desra welcomed this event as it showed KAGAMA’s unity and support for one another. He said that UGM alumni had good soft power. Desra said he would support and facilitate KAGAMA activities because it would definitely bring positive results. Â Furthermore, it was hoped that there would be more cooperation between UGM and universities also industries in Great Britain.
UGM Rector, Prof. Ir. Panut Mulyono, M.Eng., D.Eng., IPU., ASEAN Eng., said that UGM was very grateful and proud of the alumni because their role has contributed significantly, one of which is for UGM’s reputation worldwide. Prof. Panut also advised alumni to always keep in touch and working together to contribute to this nation.
“The role of the diaspora is significant in studying, mastering, and applying the knowledge for the advancement of the state,” he said.
After the speech, the event was continued with interactive dialogue. It started with a presentation by Prof. Dr. Indra Wijaya Kusuma, M.B.A., as the Quality Assurance Office’s chairman. He explained the position of UGM in the world. He said that UGM has a task to improve the quality of graduates to increase the employment rate. This interactive dialogue was moderated by Vice Rector for Cooperation and Alumni, Prof. Dr. Paripurna, S.H., M.Hum., LL.M. The participants were also welcomed to give feedbacks for UGM curriculum development.
This activity was expected to accommodate stakeholders to give feedback to improve UGM education’s quality in the global era. Alumni and UGM leaders also exchanged information about alumni’s research and contributions during the event. Hopefully, it could be emulated by UGM students and alumni from all over the country.
[Alumni Relations / Articles: Winona, Photo: Dave]