Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) Rector Professor Ova Emilia was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD) honoris causa by the University of Dundee, Scotland, UK, on Friday (Jun. 26). The honor recognizes her dedication to advancing medical education, public health, and leadership in higher education, as well as her contributions to strengthening the partnership between UGM and the University of Dundee.
An honorary doctorate is an academic distinction conferred by a university upon individuals who have made outstanding contributions in their respective fields. The award was presented during the University of Dundee’s graduation ceremony in Dundee, Scotland, by the Chancellor of the University of Dundee, The Rt Hon. The Lord George Robertson of Port Ellen KT, before graduates of the School of Medicine.
During her academic journey, Professor Ova Emilia earned a master’s degree in Medical Education from the University of Dundee and graduated in 1991. In her acceptance speech, she said that she returned to Dundee not only as an alumna but also as someone who has witnessed the University of Dundee’s profound influence on medical education in Indonesia.
“Today, I stand before you with immense pride, not only as an alumna but also as a witness to this institution’s lasting impact on medical education in Indonesia,” she said.
Professor Ova Emilia recalled her pride in being one of the first Indonesian students to study at the University of Dundee.
“I was driven by an enduring curiosity to explore unfamiliar paths. At that time, I was the first Indonesian to study in these halls,” she recalled.
Professor Ova Emilia explained that after completing her master’s degree, she devoted herself to advancing medical education in Indonesia and advocating for it to become a national priority. She noted that the involvement of specialist physicians in medical education has now become a national accreditation requirement for all medical schools in Indonesia.
“We worked to position medical education as a national priority, ultimately shaping policy and accelerating development across the archipelago,” she said.
Professor Ova Emilia added that educational models adopted from the University of Dundee, particularly Problem-Based Learning (PBL) as a fundamental approach, have led to important innovations and established UGM as a pioneer in reforming teaching and learning methods.
“To this day, UGM continues to play a leading role in developing clinical education systems and learning resources at the national level,” she said.
On the occasion, Professor Ova Emilia also reflected on her years at the University of Dundee, saying that the experience taught her many valuable lessons, particularly the courage to pursue unconventional paths to realize a greater vision.
“We were encouraged to step outside our comfort zones, continue learning with humility, and have the courage to champion ideas that challenge convention,” she said.
At the conclusion of her speech, Professor Ova Emilia expressed her gratitude to the University of Dundee for the education and guidance that shaped her vision and aspirations to advance education in Indonesia.
“Thank you for being the place that shaped my vision and aspirations and for continuing to inspire future leaders,” she concluded.
Author: Zabrina Kumara
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-Editor: Priyanandaningrat
Photo: Courtesy of Professor Gandes, University of Dundee