24 February 2022 at 9:00 am
Expanded collaboration agreement between UC and UGM Indonesia
University of Canterbury (UC) hosted a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) commemoration ceremony on 4 February 2022 with Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) - ranked #1 in Indonesia and #254 in the world by Quacquarelli Symonds in 2022.
The MoU between the two universities was originally signed in 2012, and renewed in 2021.
The renewed MoU aims to facilitate broader collaboration, including the development of short courses, student mobility, dual degree programmes, and study abroad exchanges, as UC looks to increase engagement in the Asia-Pacific region.
In comparison, the initial MoU was largely built around cooperation with the UC Geography Department under the Community Resilience and Economic Development programme (CaRED), a partnership between the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and UGM, designed to contribute to sustainable development in Indonesia.
UGM and New Zealand speakers at the ceremony emphasised the importance of maintaining friendships and partnerships in the international education space, especially while we cannot connect in person. UGM referenced the impact of projects developed under the CaRED Programme, supported by MFAT.
UC’s Assistant Vice Chancellor of Engagement, Brett Berquist, reflected on his time spent in Yogyakarta, and on the work achieved through CaRED which included three NZ universities at the time – Massey University, University of Auckland, and UC, working with UGM on economic development research projects “particularly focusing on the Eastern parts of your country [Indonesia]. It was a really wonderful story of research collaboration coming together.”
“I’m particularly thrilled to continue a bilateral relationship between Canterbury and UGM which is well known to be the most prestigious institution in Indonesia.
“The challenges you face are significant, but at the same time, the thought leadership and the research you undertake for economic development and serving your region is also inspiring.”
Ben Burrowes, Regional Director – Asia at Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao, says the agreement aligns well with ENZ’s goal of building a more sustainable international education sector, with an increased focus on diversified products and services offered to learners both in New Zealand and across the globe.
