Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Prof. Ir. Sudjarwadi, M. Eng., Ph.D., accompanied by Executive Secretary, Drs. Djoko Moerdiyanto, MA., received the Ambassador of Canada, H.E. Mackenzie Clugston, who was visiting to pave the way for cooperation in education and research. He was received at the Rector’s office, Monday (31/5).
Djoko explained that the Ambassador wanted to meet and see the UGM directly. The Ambassador so far only heard the name of the UGM from various massmedia that report the various roles of UGM in regional, national and international scope. "He heard that the university is apparently cooperating with various foreign universities, with many colleges in the United States of America, Asia, and Europe," said Djoko Moerdiyanto.
Djoko admitted that so far there has been no Canadian student studying at UGM. Therefore, this visit is expected to pave the way for student exchange between UGM and other universities in Canada. In this visit, the Ambassador mentioned his interest to invite and involve Canadian students to join DREAM program of UGM International Affairs Office. In fact, the Ambassador will involve the Canadian students in Asia to join the program in the near future. "Particularly Canadian students in the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and so on, are highly expected to join," said Djoko.
The Rector also welcomed Ambassador Clugston warmly. Following his visit, various universities in Canada are expected to be able to cooperate with UGM. With such cooperation, UGM academicians would see room for Indonesia’s future improvement. "(The cooperation that is expected is) Especially for student exchange and research cooperation as well as other forms of cooperation that enhance the progress of society in general," said the Rector.
The result of this visit is expected to be delivered to various institutions in Canada. Canada is known as a producer of cement and asphalt and concrete material for strong construction that can stand all seasons. "Canada is actually focused on those areas, because this country does have unique seasons, extreme summer and winter. They believe that their products can be developed in Indonesia," said the Rector.
This cooperation is urgent to be done, because if delayed and postponed, more will be missed while other countries have already longstanding collaborations with UGM. UGM has high hopes for it. Some faculty members are able to strengthen such cooperation because they once took classes at the British Columbia Institute of Technology, McGill University, and Simon Fraser University in Canada.