As many as 34 universities and 4 institutions from Taiwan on Wednesday (13/10) participated in the higher education exhibition entitled Taiwan Higher Education (THE) Fair 2010 in Graha Sabha Pramana (GSP) at UGM. Similar events have also been held on October 9, 2010 at Syiah Kuala University in Aceh, and October 11, 2010 at Trisakti University Jakarta.
Dozens of Taiwan Higher Education provide a variety of information on studies, international-based curriculum to scholarship in Taiwan such as; Taiwan Scholarship, MOE Scholarship, Southern Sunshine Scholarship (SSS) and the University Scholarship.
The opening of the education exhibition was attended by the Rector of UGM. Prof. Ir. Sudjarwadi, M. Eng, Ph.D, Deputy Representative of Taipei Economics and Trade Office in Indonesia, Mr Charles. C. Li, and Director General of Bureau of International Cultural and Education, Mr Lin Wen Tong.
Student’s enthusiasm to come in the exhibition is quite high. They went straight to the exhibition booth of each university and looked for study information in Taiwan. As told by Nio Hani and Desrina Yusi, students majoring in Physics Engineering class of UGM 2007, they are interested in studying in Taiwan considering the country’s developments are very rapid and almost equal to Japan.
"I'm interested in studying the energy and culture of Taiwan, remembering that this country is as advanced as Japan," Nio said.
Both claimed to be more interested to continue their studies in Taiwan in the field of mechanical engineering and culture.
Similarly, Desfi, student of UGM Mandarin Program of Faculty of Cultural Sciences class of 2009 also mentioned her interest to study in Taiwan. She came to the exhibition because she wants to know more information about the studies and scholarship in Taiwan, especially she already learned much about the Mandarin language.
"My ideal is to develop my command of Mandarin language. Therefore I visit the Taiwan educational exhibition," Desfi said.
Meanwhile, in his speech the Rector of UGM said that he welcomed the exhibition. It is expected that this exhibition can also produce the younger generation who are reliable in the field of research and culture. Moreover, during these time many important issues, such as global warming, require the thought of scholars. The issue of global warming, for example, needs to be thought about by scholars and experts from UGM and Taiwan, Sudjarwadi explained.
In the presence of visitors and education exhibitors from Taiwan, Prof. Sudjarwadi explained the existence of UGM as one of the best universities in Indonesia. In fact, out of 100 universities in Yogyakarta, UGM is the only University that has a philosophy department. During this time UGM has also accommodated students whether they come from under privileged families or not to be able to study at UGM.
"UGM desires that in the future this young generation will become future leaders of the nation. Thus we also have to accommodate the students who come from the privileged families and the under privileged," the Rector said.
After the welcome speech, the event was followed by the beating of the gong as a sign for the opening of Taiwan’s education exhibition. After that the Rector of UGM and the representatives of Taiwan’s delegation continued to visit the booths.
Meanwhile, to tighten the relations between UGM and universities in Taiwan, a luncheon was given. In the luncheon the Rector was accompanied by Senior Vice Rector for Education, Research and Community Service, Prof. Dr. Retno. S. Sudibyo, M.Sc., Apt, Executive Secretary, Drs. Djoko Moerdiyanto, MA, and Head of the International Affairs Office Dr. Rachmat Sriwijaya.