The Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Professor Ova Emilia, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between UGM and the Dharma Eka Tjipta Widjaja Foundation in education, research, and community service on Monday (Apr. 1).
This document serves as a catalyst and supporter of closer collaboration and synergy between the two institutions.
The rector appreciates the foundation’s concern and contribution to UGM’s development. She hopes both institutions can continue strengthening synergy and mutual support in enhancing human resources and improving the community’s welfare.
“The research and development predicate given by the country to UGM further encourages UGM to collaborate with stakeholders such as related industries to ensure that existing expertise contributes to the field. The close collaboration we hope for will contribute to the nation,” said the UGM Rector at the UGM Central Building.
According to the rector, the research world in higher education requires support from industries to turn ideas into feasible solutions. Moreover, industries can provide opportunities for researchers to engage in the field to produce something of higher quality and sustainability.
“With this collaboration, we can provide opportunities for people around the industry to access higher education,” she explained.
The Dharma Eka Tjipta Widjaja Foundation Chairman, Tjhin Hong Ling, mentioned that UGM and Sinar Mas have collaborated for over 15 years. Some examples of their cooperation include the construction of the Faculty of Biology building in 2015 and the Faculty of Forestry building in 2011.
“This sustainable collaboration aims to create quality human resources in 2024, which is also in line with UGM’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” he emphasized.
Hong Ling asserted that education is a means to broaden horizons, create job opportunities, and make individuals self-reliant and able to contribute to their families, communities, and the country.
Therefore, the Dharma Eka Tjipta Widjaja Foundation carries out programs such as village development and provides scholarships to children of residents around Sinar Mas’s operational areas, particularly for the nursing program.
“These activities are in line with the Undergraduates Educate in Frontier, Outermost, and Underdeveloped Regions (SM-3T) program organized by the Ministry of Education and Culture,” he concluded.
Author: Dita
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Photographer: Firsto