Rektor UGM Sapa Alumni Sulsel
Rektor UGM Sapa Alumni Sulsel
Rektor UGM Sapa Alumni Sulsel
UGM’s contribution to regional development is not only made by sending students to various regions for community service program. UGM is expected to increase cooperation with local universities in regional development through research collaboration and provision of training and higher education opportunities. Moreover, it is also expected to support the development of Region-Owned Enterprises that has been considered to burden the regional government budgets.
These are some of the issues raised in the dialogue between UGM alumni and the Rector which took place at Baruga Karaeng Patinggalong, South Sulawesi Governor’s House in Makassar, Friday (10/19). Directed by Vice Rector for Cooperation and Alumni, Dr. Paripurna Sugarda, it was attended by the Governor, Nurdin Abdullah, and Head of South Sulawesi Alumni Regional Board, Prof. Dr. Farida Patitinggi.
Some alumni who work as educators expect UGM to establish research collaboration with researchers in regions. “We want UGM to do plenty of research collaboration with local universities,” said Suwarsilah, lecturer of a university in Makassar.
Responding to this, the Rector noted that the synergy in research could be done in various ways, including by sending students and lecturers to give lectures or provide trainings in making proposals. “Or writing a joint scientific publication by main researchers from local universities and UGM,” he said.
During the Q&A session, some alumni also suggested that UGM send students for community services to a remote island in South Sulawesi, such as Selayar Island. In addition, UGM is hoped to provide solutions in assisting the development of Region-Owned Enterprises to increase regional revenues. “The South Sulawesi Regional Government plans to restructure regional companies and set regional enterprises as a source of revenue rather than a burden for the local government. We want inputs from UGM to advance regional enterprises here,” said an alumnus.
“Every year, around 8,000 students are sent to many regions. It is possible that there might be a theme of the community service program to empower and develop regional enterprises,” said the Rector.
Faridah Patitinggi stated many strategic issues were the subject of discussion among UGM Alumni on social media. There were debates but these did not affect their relationship. “We are pleased that our plans are supported by the Governor,” said the lecturer of Faculty of Law Universitas Hasanuddin.