Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and KAGAMA hosted “Synergy between UGM and KAGAMA: UGM Greets Alumni in China” on Monday (17/01) through the Zoom Meeting Room. Approximately 75 UGM alumni currently working or living in China warmly welcomed the event.
The Chairman of KAGAMA China, Hendy Yuniarto kicked off the event. Established five years ago, Hendy said that it was not an easy journey to establish KAGAMA China, particularly due to the distance. However, technological advances saved the day. KAGAM China could then facilitate the communication between the two cultures and contribute to Indonesia and China.
“KAGAMA China indeed has many potentials as the human resources could speak Mandarin and also understand the culture. On top of that, we welcome any partnership in research, university, scholarship, vacancies, and so on. Given that, we do expect that UGM will lend a hand to KAGAMA China for accommodating and making the dreams come true,” he concluded
Indonesian Ambassador to China, Djauhari Oratmangun, also attended the event. The alumnus of the Faculty of Economics and Business said that the relationship between Indonesia and China is part of a comprehensive strategic partnership, and so far, it has been going very well. One of them is on the field of education. There are many partnerships with various universities in China.
“Hopefully, KAGAMA China can contribute to the acceleration of cooperation between Indonesia and China, also UGM and universities in China, and other fields which might be initiated to bond partnerships,” he said.
UGM Rector, Prof. Ir. Panut Mulyono, M.Eng., D.Eng., IPU., ASEAN Eng., in his remark, expressed his gratitude to KAGAMA China. He also said that China is successfully proven that its universities are in the top world rankings. Therefore, he expected today’s discussion to spur UGM cooperation with the best universities in China. Moreover, he expected it could strengthen the relationship between Indonesia and China, UGM and universities in China, and increase the contribution for each country.
Following that was an interactive dialogue moderated by the Vice Rector for Cooperation and Alumni, Prof. Dr. Paripurna, S.H., M. Hum., LL. M. It opened room for the participants to discuss with UGM Broads and to give feedback, particularly on partnership matters. The Vocational School stated their interest in building partnerships with universities in China, such as overseas internships and mobile lecturers, particularly in the technology field. Therefore, they could develop laboratories and design curriculum in the study program and faculty when they return. On top of that, many UGM alumni in China suggested re-opening the Mandarin language department at the Vocational School, considering the demands of human resources with a Mandarin skill either in Indonesia and China.
Almost 50% of KAGAMA China members are native Chinese, and more than 40% are academics. Therefore, much cooperation is offered, especially from alumni who take part in educational institutions in China. It took the forms of student exchanges, scholarships, internships, to teaching staff assistance.
This event is expected to establish more partnership between Indonesia and China, such as education, health infrastructure, economy, and technology. This event is also regarded as a way to appreciate UGM alumni as being UGM representatives in their country. It is hoped that UGM will keep producing the best graduates for the nation and state. (Winona)