The meeting, attended by top officials from UNS and Xihua University, addressed several key issues related to education development and international collaboration. Participants included the Party Secretary of XHU, Prof. Liu Shugen, along with his team; UNS Rector, Prof. Dr. Hartono, dr. M.Si.; UNS Vice-Rector for Planning, Collaboration, Internationalization, and Information, Prof. Irwan Trinugroho, S.E., M.Sc., Ph.D.; Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Studies (FIB) UNS, Dr. Dwi Susanto, M.Hum.; Dean of the Vocational School UNS, Dr. Eng. Ir. Herman Saputro, S.Pd., M.Pd., M.T.; Head of the Mandarin Language Center/Confucius Institute UNS, Prof. Dr. Ir. Ahmad Yunus, M.S.; and the Chinese Director of the Mandarin Language Center/Confucius Institute UNS, Dr. Fan Jie. The meeting, held on November 18, 2024, featured in-person and virtual participation.

One of the key topics discussed was the development of the Mandarin Language Program. XHU Party Secretary, Prof. Liu Shugen, highlighted plans to improve the quality of the Mandarin program at UNS. These plans include modernizing the curriculum, providing lecturer training, and developing more effective teaching methods for students. A primary focus is strengthening Mandarin learning at UNS to meet the demands of global education.

The two universities also agreed to enhance collaboration in academic research, particularly in Chinese language, culture, and linguistics. Joint projects will deepen understanding of the Chinese language and culture while fostering opportunities for cross-cultural research between Indonesia and China.

As part of the development of international cooperation, the Secretary of the XHU Party, Prof. Liu Shugen, also discussed opportunities to expand student and faculty exchange programs. UNS students interested in deepening their understanding of the Chinese language and culture will have the opportunity to study at Xihua University, while students from Xihua University will be given the chance to participate in programs at UNS.

During the meeting, both parties agreed to further strengthen cultural relations through various activities, such as joint cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and other cultural events. These initiatives aim to foster deeper understanding and connections between the two nations.

“We also conducted an evaluation of the existing collaboration programs and discussed development plans for the coming years,” XHU Party Secretary, Prof. Liu Shugen, explained. “The focus was placed on program innovations that can support the globalization of higher education and enhance the quality of teaching at both universities.”

The Head of the UNS Mandarin Language Center/Confucius Institute, Prof. Dr. Ir. Ahmad Yunus, M.S., stated that UNS, through the Mandarin Language Center, has become an important platform for promoting cultural exchange between China and other countries under the “One Belt One Road” initiative.

The Vice Rector for Planning, Cooperation, Internationalization, and Information at UNS, Prof. Irwan Trinugroho, S.E., M.Sc., Ph.D., further introduced plans for the establishment of a Confucius Institute at UNS. He also emphasized efforts to strengthen management systems, develop Mandarin language programs, train native-speaking lecturers, and promote long-term collaboration with other institutions in China effectively.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further enhance collaboration between UNS and Xihua University in education, research, and culture. Both universities pledged to actively bridge the exchange of knowledge and culture between Indonesia and China in the future. This initiative also aligns with UNS’s efforts to achieve SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

HUMAS UNS

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The offline opening ceremony was attended by Vice-Rector for Academic and Student Affairs UNS, Prof. Ahmad Yunus, Vice-Rector for Planning, Partnership, Business, and Information Affairs UNS, Prof. Sajidan, Dean of FIB UNS, Prof. Warto, and the Director of Confucius Institute (CI) UNS, Stephanie Phanata, B.Ed., M.TCSOL. Attending the online ceremony was the Rector of Xihua University, Prof. LIU Shugen, Consul General of China in Surabaya, Mr. GU Jingqi, and the Dean of FSJ Xihua University, Prof. PAN Shuxian. The opening ceremony was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted by Vice-Rector for Planning, Partnership, Business, and Information Affairs UNS, Prof. Sajidan.

In his opening remark, representing the Rector of UNS, Prof. Jamal Wiwoho, the Vice-Rector for Academic and Student Affairs UNS, Prof. Ahmad Yunus congratulated the opening of the Undergraduate Program in Mandarin Language and Chinese Culture. Prof. Yunus mentioned that the new program is in line with the priority of UNS and FIB vision and UNS strategic planning 2020-2024 to support the autonomous university program in achieving an international reputation through its vision to become a leading program at the international level in developing Mandarin Language and Chinese culture in 2030 based on the national culture.

“We saw FIB’s seriousness in opening the program. This is not an easy task; it takes time, teamwork, and thoroughness in preparation. We appreciate the work and this outcome,” Prof. Yunus explained.

Prof. Yunus added that the opening of the Undergraduate Program in Mandarin Language and Chinese Culture becomes a strategic step in supporting the Indonesian government program with China to develop collaboration in various fields, including in the economic sector, social life, education, tourist, and culture. The new program is expected to shape excellent, reliable, and competent graduates in their fields. Prof. Yunus believes that the humanist approach could open collaboration in various fields that will run smoothly and benefit both parties while strengthening both countries’ relationships.

“Our gratitude to Xihua University and Confucius Institute for collaborating in opening the Undergraduate Program in Mandarin Language and Chinese Culture UNS,” he added.

The Rector of Xihua University, Prof. LIU Shugen, greatly appreciated the new program and stated that it is the result of collaboration between the universities. “Hopefully, our collaboration will become stronger in the future,” he added. Prof. LIU also hoped that more UNS students and faculty members could continue their studies at Xihua University.

The Dean of FIB UNS, Prof. Warto, added that the new program is expected to achieve its vision and missions through the higher education Tri Dharma in education, research, and community services. “Hopefully, the opening of this program benefits the community and motivates the development of Chinese language, literature, and culture (sinology) in Indonesia, or even at the international level,” Prof. Warto stated. Humas UNS

Reporter: Dwi Hastuti

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The ceremony was attended by the executive management of both universities. UNS was represented by the Vice-Rector for Planning, Partnership, Business, and Information Affairs UNS Prof. Sajidan, UNS Secretary Dr. Drajat Tri Kartono, Director of Partnership, Development, and Internationalization UNS Irwan Trinugroho, Ph.D., Dean of FIB UNS Prof. Warto, and Director of Confucius Institute (CI) UNS Stephanie Phanata, B.Ed., M.TCSOL.

In the ceremony, Xihua University was represented by the Rector of Xihua University Prof. LIU Shugeng, Vice-Rector for International Partnership Xihua University Prof. FEI Ling, Director of Mandarin Language Center (PBM) UNS from China Assoc. Prof. LU Yu, and the Dean of Faculty of Linguistic and Journalism Xihua University PAN Shuxian.

In his remark, Prof. Sajidan thanked FIB UNS Dean, CI UNS, and Xihua University for their consistency in implementing a partnership in education and culture between Indonesia and China despite the Covid-19 pandemic. Following the signing ceremony for the collaboration to establish CI in FIB UNS in 2018, many programs in education and culture have been implemented through the collaboration. Representing the Rector of UNS, Prof. Jamal Wiwoho, Prof. Sajidan added that the new Undergraduate Program in Mandarin Language and Chinese Culture is a serious step from UNS to build and develop international collaboration after its designation as PTNBH in 2020.

“This collaboration could bring together culture and literature as a means to connect the Javanese and Bashu culture in Mandarin-Indonesia literature studies. We sincerely thank the executive management and academic members of Xihua University and PBM UNS, and we hope that this undergraduate program could contribute to better the community,” Prof. Sajidan stated.

The sincere gratitude from Prof. Sajidan received positive responses from the Rector of Xihua University Prof. LIU Shugeng, who mentioned in his remark that UNS had implemented the agreement sincerely and truthfully, marked by various events held by PBM UNS, such as an international webinar on “Building Javanese-Bashy Friendship to Strengthen International Partnership between UNS and Xihua University” to the Cloud Summer Camp. Through the number of events and participants, PBM UNS has proved its commitment to implementing the cultural exchange between Javanese and Bashu cultures.

“During these three years, through sincere and honest collaboration between both universities, a new collaboration was born and develop through a better journey. We want to share our gratitude to (UNS) executive management and boards for the support and serious efforts,” Prof. LIU Shugeng stated.

Through the MoU signing on the opening of the Undergraduate Program in Mandarin Language and Chinese Culture, Prof. LIU Shugeng specifically hoped that the new program could strengthen the partnership between UNS and Xihua University. He believes that UNS will be able to build the new program into a program with leading characters and achieved success. Prof. LIU concluded his remark with the hope that the process to establish the new program will run smoothly and to wish a good Confucius Education Day celebration. Humas UNS

Reporter: Yefta Christopherus AS
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

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