Depok, W Java (ANTARA) - The University of Indonesia (UI) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Tasmania (UTAS) that paves the way for greater joint research projects as well as faculty staff and student exchanges.

The MoU was signed by UI Rector Ari Kuncoro and UTAS Deputy Vice Chancellor Rob Wilson in a ceremony held at this Australian university campus at the end of September.

The collaboration will provide the two universities' faculty staff and non-faculty staff members as well as students with opportunities to enrich their academic and non-academic experiences, Kuncoro remarked.

"The MoU will pave the way for UI's closer collaboration with UTAS to boost the development of sciences, education, and research," he told journalists in Depok, West Java, on Monday.

The collaborative programs would also become a strong foundation for strengthening an international academic partnership and enhancing the two universities' development, he remarked.

At the signing ceremony, Kuncoro was accompanied by UI Deputy Rector for Academic and Student Affairs Abdul Haris; Dean of Faculty of Engineering Heri Hermansyah; and Dean of Faculty of Dentistry Nia Ayu Ismaniati.

Meanwhile, UTAS Deputy Vice Chancellor Rob Wilson highlighted the importance of his university's collaboration with UI for advancing education and research.

According to Dean of Faculty of Engineering Heri Hermansyah, this year, his faculty had received the first batch of marine engineering students for the international class program.

"We work with several partner universities for double degree programs, including the University of Strathclyde in the United Kingdom and the University of Tasmania's Australian Maritime College (AMC)," he stated.

The two universities are regarded as the world's best institutions for marine and ocean engineering as well as maritime education, training, and research, he stated.

ANTARA reported earlier that UI, whose main campus is located in Depok, West Java, has been adjudged the best university in the country.

In the annual ranking of global universities released by Webometrics in January 2023, UI was named the best university in Indonesia.

UI Rector Ari Kuncoro noted in a recent statement that the university has maintained its commitment to becoming an innovative, independent, inclusive, dignified, and leading higher educational institution in Southeast Asia and the world.

One of the efforts to globalize its education and research is made through collaborations with various reputable overseas universities.

UI's Faculty of Engineering, for instance, has also worked with Osaka University to boost research projects that may provide new innovations and findings that can help resolve problems at the global scale.

Translator: Feru L, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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