Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, are opening opportunities for collaboration to enhance universities’ roles as centers of innovation and research in collaboration with the industrial world.
This was highlighted in a meeting between Professor Supriyadi, the UGM Vice-Rector for Human Resources and Finance, and Professor Lam Khin Yong, the NTU Vice President for Industry, on Wednesday (May 29) in the leadership room of the UGM Central Office.
Professor Supriyadi stated that UGM and NTU are opening cooperation in applied medical technology development between NTU’s School of Medicine and UGM’s Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK UGM) and Vocational College (SV UGM).
“Cooperation in the field of applied medicine will involve SV UGM and FK-KMK UGM,” said Professor Supriyadi.
During this visit, Professor Supriyadi said that both parties also agreed to staff exchange cooperation to develop staff competencies in supporting researchers’ activities.
“NTU is well-known for its excellent staff development in supporting research. We will train non-teaching staff to support lecturers conducting research,” he said.
Additionally, UGM and NTU will share experiences related to capacity building and establishing cooperation with the industrial world.
“They have experience in building partnerships with major industries. We will try to build cooperation on how these industries can support the existence of UGM Innovation and Creativity Hub (GIK UGM),” he explained.
Professor Lam Khin Yong stated that NTU’s involvement with industry partners benefits both parties. According to him, this collaboration opens opportunities to commercialize research results.
“Through partnerships with industry, we commercialize research results, create economic benefits, social impacts in Singapore, skill development, entrepreneurship, and many job opportunities,” he explained.
Professor Sulistiowati, Chair of the UGM Academic Senate, said that today’s industry requires innovations that are sophisticated, applicable, and relevant to market needs. According to her, the campus has a role in producing research products needed by the industry.
UGM Academic Senate member Professor Deendarlianto stated that UGM and NTU previously had a cooperation program named INSPIRASI, which the Ministry of Education initiated.
The scope of the INSPIRASI program includes research related to renewable energy, circular economy, smart cities, and eco-campus.
According to him, through this collaboration, UGM can utilize its network and capacity to promote research and innovation at the global level, open more cooperation opportunities, and increase visibility and influence on the international stage.
INSPIRASI Board of Trustees member Zainul Abidin Rasheed from Singapore mentioned that cooperation through the INSPIRASI program not only maintains each university’s vision but also understands its academic culture.
“INSPIRASI is more than just about technology; it’s about understanding each other’s human cultures,” he said.
Author: Dita
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Photographer: Firsto