Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) continues to advance its internationalization agenda in higher education, with a particular focus on research collaboration, academic exchange, and technological development. One of the key strategies pursued is the establishment of partnerships with overseas universities to expand opportunities for advanced study, strengthen international research networks, and foster innovation.
As a concrete step in this effort, UNNES welcomed a delegation from National Yunlin University of Science and Technology (YunTech), Taiwan, led by President Chang Chuan Yu, on Tuesday, October 1. The visit was aimed at further reinforcing cooperation in education, research, and innovation, building upon the collaboration that has been established between the two institutions since 2018.
In his address, President Chang emphasized that the presence of more than 130 YunTech alumni in Indonesia, including four professors at UNNES, serves as compelling evidence of the success of this long-term academic partnership.
“Over the years, many outstanding scholars from UNNES have chosen YunTech to pursue their doctoral studies. After completing their research in Taiwan, they have continued to dedicate themselves to teaching and advancing specialized technology back here in Indonesia. This stands as a true testimony to the fruitful academic cooperation and long-term partnership between our two universities,” stated President Chang.
The UNNES–YunTech collaboration has been designed as a sustainable program. Prof. Dr. Nur Qudus, Vice Rector IV for Cooperation, Business, and International Relations, underscored that UNNES faculty members have gained opportunities for joint research and publications, while students benefit from scholarships and international capacity-building programs.
“In addition to scholarships, we expect that future collaboration with YunTech will include broader joint research projects, capacity development for faculty and students, as well as an increased number of visiting professors from YunTech at UNNES,” added Prof. Nur Qudus.
The YunTech delegation included President Chang Chuan Yu, Vice President for Academic Affairs Wu Ming-Chang, Vice President for Creative Design Hwang Shyh-Huei, Dean of International Affairs Yeh Hui-Chin, Dean of Research and Development Lee Hung-Jen, and Qiu Yu-Ru, Assistant to the Office of R&D.
The delegation was received at the UNNES Innovation House, where they observed research outputs and innovations developed by UNNES researchers. The visit continued with a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) at the Rectorate Senate Hall involving the university leadership, including Vice Rectors I, II, and IV, the University Secretary, the Deans of the Faculty of Languages and Arts (FBS) and the Faculty of Engineering (FT), the Head of the Office of International Affairs and SDGs, along with professors and YunTech alumni currently serving as UNNES faculty members.
The FGD provided a platform for YunTech alumni, now serving as professors and lecturers at UNNES, to share experiences and discuss strategic steps to broaden cooperation in education and research.
Since 2018, the partnership between UNNES and YunTech has encompassed various forms of collaboration, including joint research, academic exchange programs for both students and faculty, professional training, and discussions on the implementation of joint degree programs.
This cooperation has yielded tangible outcomes, such as UNNES faculty pursuing doctoral studies at YunTech, the establishment of academic exchange programs formalized through bilateral meetings, and collaborative research projects between the UNNES Faculty of Engineering and YunTech, notably the liquefaction study in Palu, which was subsequently further developed at UNNES.
Through this partnership, UNNES reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the internationalization of education and research while simultaneously contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in advancing quality education, research capacity building, and the development of sustainable technology.
