Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Professor Ova Emilia, visited Taiwan from May 4-8, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to establish and strengthen strategic partnerships with leading universities and institutions in Taiwan. The visit also followed an invitation from Taiwan’s Ministry of Education, supported by the Taipei Economic and Trade Office (TETO).
Professor Ova Emilia, accompanied by university and faculty leaders, visited several prominent universities in Taiwan, including National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Feng Chia University, Tatung University, National Chung Hsing University, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Ming Chi University of Technology, National Chengchi University, and National Tsing Hua University.
Through this visit, UGM reaffirmed its commitment to expanding global engagement and building sustainable international partnerships.
“Strengthening cooperation with universities in Taiwan is expected to create broader opportunities for academic exchange, research collaboration, and innovation that will contribute to the advancement of higher education in both Indonesia and Taiwan,” said Professor Ova Emilia in a statement issued on Sunday (May. 17).
Professor Ova Emilia explained that most of the universities visited have maintained close cooperation with UGM and are internationally recognized as leading higher education institutions in Taiwan. Based on the QS World University Rankings 2026, National Tsing Hua University (ranked 176) and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (ranked 199) are among Taiwan’s top universities, particularly in engineering and computer science.
Meanwhile, National Chengchi University (ranked 604) is known for its excellence in social sciences, business, and international relations, while National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (ranked 345) is renowned for its strengths in applied sciences and industry collaboration.
During the meetings, representatives from both sides exchanged ideas on strengthening internationalization efforts and creating more impactful collaborations that would benefit students, researchers, and academic communities in both countries. The discussions also highlighted the growing importance of higher education cooperation between Indonesia and Taiwan, particularly in science, technology, engineering, business, and innovation-related fields.
“We seek not only to strengthen existing partnerships but also to explore broader collaboration opportunities in various areas, such as student mobility, joint research, academic exchanges, dual degree programs, industry partnerships, and technological innovation,” she explained.
Director of Partnership and Global Relations, Professor Puji Astuti, stated that UGM has maintained long-term partnerships with various institutions in Taiwan since 2006. To date, UGM has collaborated with 36 universities, 7 companies, 5 organizations, and 2 hospitals across Taiwan. To further strengthen these relations, UGM established the Taiwan Center at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences in 2022.
“The center serves as a service and information hub for students interested in pursuing study opportunities in Taiwan,” said Professor Puji.
Author: Leony
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photo: DKRG Documentation