Universitas Indonesia (UI) and the University of Otago, the first university in New Zealand, signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the field of education, research, and training. The signing of the MoU was represented by the Head of UI International Office, drg. Baiduri Widanarko, M.KKK, Ph.D, and Director International University of Otago, Jason Cushen, on Thursday, July 25, at the University Administration Center Building (PAU), Depok UI Campus.
drg. Baiduri believes that this collaboration will run smoothly because it fits with UI’s commitment to expanding global cooperation. “UI as a World Class University continues to show a strong commitment to the continuity of education and expansion of cooperation with multiple parties, including with the University of Otago,” she said.
Meanwhile, Jason also has the same belief. He assessed that the collaboration between the two will succeed because UI and the University of Otago are two big universities that have achieved numerous academic achievements and have strong international reputations in various disciplines. “We think that this MoU will be a successful way for big collaborations in the future,” said Jason.
The collaboration between UI and the University of Otago consists of three things, namely student exchange, research collaboration, and summer courses. In the field of research, lecturer and researcher from the Faculty of Medicine UI, dr. Rina La Distia Nora, Sp.M(K), Ph.D, highlighted the numerous research collaboration potential in the field of microbiology, such as tuberculosis, parasitology, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), genomics and pathogen surveillance, infection, and immunotherapy for cancer.
“There is a chance to develop research on cancer infection which can be instantly applied to hospitals. UI owns a hospital in the Depok campus and works together with the RSUPN dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo (RSCM) for the Salemba Campus. Both have the potential to implement research results in the future,” said Dr. Rina.
Other than research, the meeting between these two university delegates also discussed the chance of discussing opportunities for implementing an international class fast-track program that allows students to obtain a bachelor’s degree in three years and continue to a master’s program. This was conveyed by the Manager of Partnership, Venture, and Alumni Relations, the Faculty of Dentistry UI, drg. Nieka Adhara Wahono, Sp.KGA, K-KKA, Ph.D. She said, “This program opens a massive opportunity for the students to accelerate their education and improve international competence, as well as strengthening the position of UI and the University of Otago as a globally competitive higher education institution.”
Other than in the field of health, the two universities’ partnership can also be extended to other fields of science. The University of Otago, established in 1869, is known for its innovative research and its contribution towards the development of knowledge in various fields. This university offers study programs in the fields of health, science, social sciences, law, humanities, business, arts, education, and more. This is in line with UI which consists of three scientific fields, namely health sciences, science and technology, and social humanities.
