Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has officially become a member of the ICT Virtual Organization of ASEAN Institutes and NICT (ASEAN IVO), a collaborative network that brings together universities and research institutions across ASEAN to advance information and communication technology. The membership was approved following a review process of approximately one month, after UGM presented various digital transformation initiatives. UGM’s admission to ASEAN IVO marks a strategic step toward expanding its international network in digital technology and artificial intelligence. The membership also opens broader opportunities for collaboration with institutions across Southeast Asia.
ASEAN IVO is a virtual network established to promote research collaboration and innovation to address regional challenges through technology. The network involves universities, research institutions, and strategic partners focused on developing digital solutions across various sectors. Key areas of interest include artificial intelligence, digital health, smart society, and technology development for regional resilience and sustainability. Through this network, members have opportunities to conduct joint research and strengthen cross-border knowledge exchange.
UGM’s membership application was initiated by UGM’s Digital Transformation Bureau (BTD UGM) as part of efforts to strengthen internationalization in digital transformation. During the evaluation process, UGM presented several flagship programs and innovations developed over recent years. One initiative that attracted particular attention was the development of UGM AI as part of the university’s efforts to leverage artificial intelligence in supporting education, research, and community service. The presentation demonstrated UGM’s commitment to building an integrated and sustainable digital transformation ecosystem.
Head of BTD UGM, Dr. Mardhani Riasetiawan, stated that ASEAN IVO membership presents an important opportunity for UGM to expand its international partnerships. According to him, the network brings together researchers and innovators from different countries to develop solutions with tangible societal impact. Cross-border collaboration is increasingly important in addressing challenges that require multidisciplinary and technology-based approaches.
“This membership is an important step for UGM in strengthening its international network in digital transformation and artificial intelligence. Through ASEAN IVO, UGM has the opportunity to engage in collaborative research, innovation, and the development of digital solutions that benefit communities across ASEAN,” he said on Wednesday (Jun. 24).
According to Mardhani, ASEAN IVO membership also reflects the strong interdisciplinary collaboration that has developed within UGM. The initiatives presented involved lecturers and researchers from the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing; the Faculty of Engineering; the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences; the Vocational College; the Graduate School; and the Faculty of Agricultural Technology. The involvement of various academic units demonstrates that digital transformation at UGM is not carried out in isolation but is built through cross-disciplinary collaboration. This approach is an important asset for addressing increasingly complex challenges in the digital era.
Furthermore, the areas with potential for development through ASEAN IVO collaboration are closely aligned with several research priorities already advancing at UGM. Digital health, technology-based education, food security, and smart society are among the areas with significant potential for strengthening through international partnerships. Support from a regional network enables the exchange of experiences and best practices that can enrich innovation development within the university. Such collaboration is also expected to generate solutions that are more adaptive to the needs of communities across the ASEAN region.
UGM’s membership in ASEAN IVO represents a strategic step in strengthening the university’s role in advancing digital research and innovation at the regional level. The membership creates broader opportunities for collaboration while enriching perspectives in addressing development challenges through technology. Through the network, UGM is expected to contribute more actively to the development of solutions relevant to ASEAN communities.
“We hope this membership will not only expand UGM’s network but also foster more collaborations that deliver tangible benefits to communities in Indonesia and across the ASEAN region,” Mardhani concluded.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Zabrina Kumara
Photo: Public Relations Documentation