Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) is expanding its network of collaborations with various international institutions. One of these efforts is the launch of Zheng He College, a result of collaboration with Jiangsu Vocational Institute of Commerce (JVIC) in China.
This collaboration is considered an important step in strengthening cross-cultural education and academic exchange.
Vice Rector for Cooperation, Business & International Relations of UNNES, Prof. Dr. Nur Qudus, MT, IPM, explains that this collaboration is part of the cultural interaction process that enriches students’ experiences and strengthens bilateral relations between the two countries.
“The collaboration between UNNES and JVIC brings benefits, especially in introducing Mandarin language and culture. A total of 38 Chinese students participated in a one-week soft skills training, including batik-making and getting acquainted with Central Javanese culture,” Nur Qudus explained during an interview in the Senate Room of UNNES Rectorate, Semarang, on Tuesday (10/15/2024).
The Head of Cooperation and Public Relations at the Ministry of Education and Culture and Research, Yayat Hendayana, S.S., M.Si emphasizes the importance of support for higher education institutions in expanding international partnerships.
“We support universities in establishing partnerships with foreign countries. Currently, many campuses focus on partners from Western countries, but UNNES’s initiative to collaborate with East Asian countries such as China, Japan, and Korea opens up new opportunities. This collaboration should not be limited to student exchanges, but also involve organizations, governments, and the industrial sector. It will strengthen the quality of higher education in Indonesia,” he stated.
There are 439 cooperation documents initiated by 179 higher education institutions, including UNNES. The launch of this cooperation is the first implementation in the context of government-to-government, which is then followed up by higher education institutions with their strategic partners.
On the other hand, President JVIC Ms. Wang Zhi Feng hopes that this cooperation will bring significant benefits to both parties.
“We hope that this collaboration will enhance the skills of students in accordance with the field of cooperation, and also have a positive impact on the development of education and culture in both countries,” she said.
The grand launching event was attended by Vice Rector for Cooperation, Prof. Dr. Nur Qudus, MT, IPM, President of JVIC Ms. Wang Zhi Feng, and Head of Cooperation from the Ministry of Research and Technology, Yayat Hendayana, as well as deans from all faculties. Ms. Loo Hui Ann, Managing Director of ICCCM and ITEA, was also present.
Reporter: Adhelia Putri & Satria Wahyu Kusuma
