UNS — Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta established a partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar India. The collaboration is officially established through a signatory of the memorandum of understanding ceremony between UNS and IIT Ropar, in a virtual event conducted through the Zoom Cloud Meeting, Wednesday (29/9/2021).
The memorandum of understanding between UNS and IIT Ropar is signed by the Rector UNS, Prof. Dr. Jamal Wiwoho, S.H., M.Hum., and the Director of IIT Ropar, Prof. Rajeev Ahuja. Mochammad Rizki Safary, as the Ad Interim Charge d’Affaires of the Indonesia Embassy in New Delhi, India, was also present at the ceremony.
Prof. Jamal Wiwoho, as the Rector of UNS, explains the significance of this collaboration in teaching, research, and students and/or researchers exchange. A future extensive partnership for a long-term period is expected to improve the quality of education and research.
“We are fully aware that in today’s global world, partnership with abroad higher education institutions is crucial. Especially to improve the quality of education provided to our students to meet the international standards,” said Prof. Jamal Wiwoho, Wednesday (29/9/2021).
Prof. Rajeev Ahuja welcomed the collaboration between the IIT Ropar and UNS for the development of research and education. He praised one of the leading Center of Excellence (PUI) involved in the development of proprietary technology in UNS, namely PUI Lithium Battery. According to him, UNS and IIT Ropar can explore numerous collaborations in this field.
“This is a good opportunity to sign the MoU between the two institutions. Both institutions are striving to accomplish such excellent research and education,” said Prof. Rajeev Ahuja.
In respect to this partnership and collaboration, Prof. Rajeev Ahuja explains that there is an increase in research publications during the ongoing pandemic. According to him, this is a good signal for this cooperation will also cover research activities. Prof. Rajeev Ahuja also hopes that this partnership will last for more than five years and can be extended for a longer period.
“I am sure when you visit us, you will see that this MoU is beneficial for us, and we will continue to move forward together. We will work together, and we will achieve the objectives. Not only for the next five years. Five years is a very short time. I will make an effort to extend the term for not only five (years), maybe twenty, thirty, or forty years,” he said.
In his speech, the Ad Interim Charge d’Affaires of the Indonesia Embassy in New Delhi, India, Mochammad Rizki Safary states that research has a significant role. He hopes that UNS and IIT Ropar can develop a joint research program in the future.
“After this MoU signatory, I am confident that the ceremony will be just the beginning. This partnership is a stepping stone to further cooperation and development. Not only for UNS and IIT Ropar, but it will also be beneficial to each country and community,” said Mochammad Rizki Safari. Humas UNS
Reporter: Rangga Pangestu Adji
Editor: Dwi Hastuti