Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) Professor Ova Emilia welcomed a delegation from Guangdong University in her office on Friday, Jun. 20, 2025. The delegation from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS) was led by Shi Youqi, Chair of the University Council, accompanied by Chen Ping, Director of the Research Affairs Office and Director of the Development and Planning Division; Zhou Peng, Director of the International Office; Wu Zhi, Head of the Lao Language Department, Faculty of Southeast Asian Studies; Zhou Huiwen, Head of the Khmer Language Department, Faculty of Southeast Asian Studies; and Huan Haiguang, Lecturer of the Indonesian Language Department, Faculty of Southeast Asian Studies.
From UGM, the meeting was attended by the Vice-Rector for Research, Business Development, and Partnerships, Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko; the Director of Partnerships and Global Relations, Professor Puji Astuti; the Director of the Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies, Professor Rini Rachmawati; and vice deans from various faculties at UGM.
Rector Emilia expressed hope that this meeting would help expand UGM’s partnership network with universities in China.
She noted that Guangdong University of Foreign Studies is a leading international university in southern China.
“Its faculty and students are globally minded, and its research is deeply rooted in language, literature, culture, trade, and international strategic studies. We hope to collaborate toward mutual advancement,” she said.
Chair Shi Youqi shared that Guangdong University of Foreign Studies was established in 1965 and currently offers programs in 33 foreign languages, with a strong emphasis on Southeast Asian studies.
In addition, GDUFS has established robust research platforms, including the Guangdong Institute for International Strategies, the Academy of International and Regional Studies, and the Faculty (Institute) of Southeast Asian Studies.
“Our commitment to nurturing cross-cultural talent and advancing regional cooperation aligns closely with the global vision of universities such as Universitas Gadjah Mada,” he said.
Although no formal agreement has yet been established between UGM and GDUFS, he mentioned that between 2006 and 2011, lecturers from the UGM Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB UGM) had already engaged in academic mobility through guest lectures at GDUFS.
The prospective partnership aims to be strengthened through faculty and student exchange programs, as well as language training initiatives to enhance language proficiency and professional competencies.
Additionally, both parties agreed to build academic research collaboration, with a mutual willingness to co-host workshops or joint projects on topics such as Southeast Asian social dynamics, intercultural communication, and sustainable development, leveraging the resources of the UGM Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies.
“We envision the establishment of a joint research center, the GDUFS-UGM Southeast Asia Collaborative Research Center, to tackle regional challenges such as digital governance and cultural preservation, aligning with both institutions’ research priorities,” said Chair Shi Youqi.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographer: Donnie