UNS — Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta opened an Undergraduate Program in Mandarin Language and Chinese Culture on Tuesday (22/3/2022). The opening ceremony was held in an offline and online event in Seminar Room Faculty of Cultural Studies (FIB) UNS.
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