UNS — After being granted the status as University with Legal Entity (PTNBH) on 6 October 2020, Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta continues to accelerate its international collaboration. The acceleration was implemented through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony with Xihua University, China, held through the Zoom Cloud Meeting on Tuesday (28/9/2021).
The MoU was signed as a preparation to establish an Undergraduate Program in Mandarin Language and Chinese Culture under the Faculty of Cultural Studies (FIB) UNS. In his remark at the ceremony, the Dean of FIB UNS, Prof. Warto, explained the background for the opening of the new undergraduate program. He mentioned that the new program is in line with FIN UNS Strategic Planning 2020-2024 that supports PTNBH in achieving an international reputation.
“This (new program) is also an implementation of collaboration between FIB UNS and the Faculty of Literature and Journalism Xihua University,” Prof. Warto said.
To the Rector of Xihua University Prof. LIU Shugeng, Prof. Warto stated that the new program will be established based on a strong vision as an advanced and leading program at the international level in developing Mandarin language and Chinese culture under the national culture by 2026. The program is also relevant to the development of Javanese and Bashu culture in Chengdu, China, initiated several years ago by both universities. Prof. Warto also explained that during the development process, the university had involved various parties, starting from the government, community, business, and educational institutions. The new program will achieve UNS mission to implement the Higher Education Tri Dharma, especially in terms of internationalization. The Dean also hoped that the new program could strengthen the collaboration between UNS and Xihua University started in 2018.
“Our thanks, especially to the Rector who have helped and fully supported the opening of the Undergraduate Program in Mandarin Language and Chinese Culture. Hopefully, it can be implemented soon, and the program could implement its mission in Higher Education Tri Dharma in supporting the internationalization efforts,” Prof. Warto concluded.
Move Together with BRI
In the MoU signing ceremony, the Dean of Faculty of Literature and Journalism Xihua University PAN Shuxian stated that the opening of the Undergraduate Program in Mandarin Literature and Chinese Culture is in line with the Belt Road Initiative (BRI) missions, as an adjustment from the One Belt One Road (OBOR), the Chinese President, Xi Jinping’s mission to create new silk road in the 21st century in land, sea, and air. PAN Shuxian stated that to be able to utilize BRI for mutual partnership and development, the will to learn Mandarin Literature and Chinese culture is needed.
“By learning Mandarin Literature, reading and understanding Chinese culture, are the requirement to enter China and understand China better as a vital foundation for mutual development,” PAN Shuxian explained. Humas UNS
Reporter: Yefta Christopherus AS
Editor: Dwi Hastuti