UTAR recently embarked on a strategic visit to several prominent universities in Indonesia, reaffirming its commitment to internationalisation, academic excellence, and impactful global partnerships.
The visit included engagements with the University of Surabaya, Petra Christian University, Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo, Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), and Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS).
The UTAR delegation was led by Prof Dr Choong Yuen Onn, Deputy Director of the Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research (IPSR), and comprised Dr Phoon Lee Quen, Deputy Director of IPSR; Ir Dr Ting Chen Hunt, Head of Programme at the Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES); Assoc Prof Ts Dr Goh Hock Guan, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT); and Dr Kayatri Vasu, Head of Programme at the Faculty of Creative Industries (FCI).
Representing diverse academic disciplines, the delegation engaged in comprehensive and productive discussions with their counterparts, further strengthening the potential for interdisciplinary collaboration with the partner institutions.
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The visit served as a valuable platform for meaningful dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the exploration of collaborative opportunities across a wide range of academic and research areas. UTAR delegates were warmly received by their counterparts, with both sides expressing strong enthusiasm for building sustainable and mutually beneficial partnerships.
A key highlight of the discussions was the strong alignment in research priorities. Potential areas of collaboration identified include green technology, renewable energy, sustainability, digitalisation, public health, functional food, as well as heritage and cultural studies. Both UTAR and its Indonesian counterparts also expressed keen interest in undertaking joint research projects, co-authoring publications, and pursuing international research funding opportunities such as Erasmus+, the British Council, MOST, and the e-ASIA Joint Research Programme.
In addition to research collaboration, both parties explored various academic initiatives aimed at enhancing student learning experiences and mobility. These include student exchange programmes, study tours, dual degree pathways, and structured initiatives such as the UNITY programme and community-based village projects. While certain pathways, including sandwich and bridging programmes, may require further refinement, they remain promising avenues for future collaboration.
Postgraduate collaboration also emerged as a significant area of interest, with discussions focusing on joint supervision, co-supervision, external examiner appointments, and PhD progression pathways. These initiatives reflect a shared commitment to strengthening research capacity and academic mentorship.
The discussions further extended to the co-organisation of international conferences, academic workshops, guest lectures, and online research showcases. Such initiatives are expected to foster greater academic engagement while providing platforms for scholars and students to exchange ideas and showcase their work on an international stage.
Industry and community engagement were also emphasised during the visit, with initiatives such as the New Village Project and internship placements identified as valuable opportunities to provide students with practical exposure and real-world learning experiences.
The UTAR delegation engaging in an information-sharing session with the postgraduate units of Universitas Airlangga
During the visit to Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), UTAR also conducted an information sharing session for students, offering an overview of the University’s academic programmes, student mobility opportunities, and postgraduate pathways. The session was well received, with strong interest shown by UNAIR students in areas such as student exchange, dual degree programmes, and further studies at UTAR.
This engagement served as an important platform to strengthen student-level connections and promote greater awareness of international learning opportunities.
Overall, the visit marked a significant step forward in UTAR’s international collaboration efforts, laying a strong foundation for future partnerships with Indonesian institutions. Moving forward, UTAR looks forward to translating these discussions into concrete initiatives that will benefit students, staff, and the broader academic community.
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