On December 9 and 10, 2024, the FTUI delegation visited Chiba University. They discussed with Prof. Ueda and the Design Research Institute (DRI) team to learn about the university’s relationship with the government and research design at DRI. Prof. Ueda highlighted that DRI is a community centre where local governments, industries, and the public can collaborate and exchange ideas.
The FTUI delegation also met with Hiroaki Ozawa, Executive Vice President for Education and Internal Affairs at Chiba University. During the discussions, Hiroaki expressed interest in the UI Creates program and plans to integrate it with the ENGINE CHIBA program, which requires students to engage in international activities for at least 30 hours.
Nina Amelia Sasmita, Head of BMKG’s Education Team, also met with Prof. Josaphat Tetuko Sri Sumantyo to evaluate the double-degree (DD) Ph.D. program between UI and BMKG at Chiba University. Nina stated, “BMKG will send ten students to FTUI under the S2 and S3 collaboration program next year. Hopefully, they can continue their double-degree studies with Chiba University.”
Dr.-Ing. Ir. Dalhar Susanto, Manager of Partnerships, Ventures, and Alumni Relations, remarked, “We see tremendous potential in this collaboration, particularly in expanding international education opportunities for FTUI students. Chiba University’s excellent programs can provide global experiences for our students.”
On December 11–12, 2024, the FTUI delegation met with leaders from the Graduate School of Science and Technology and the international collaboration organization at Shizuoka University. During this meeting, Shizuoka University presented its flagship Asia Bridge Program (ABP) program. This program offers free admission and tuition fees for students from Southeast Asia. It is available at the undergraduate level (taught in Japanese) and the master’s level (taught in English).
FTUI also proposed a fast-track double degree program (S2-S3) with government funding support. However, adjustments are required for implementation, as Shizuoka University mandates that Ph.D. candidates must already hold a master’s degree.
At the end of the visit, the FTUI delegation conducted an online monitoring and evaluation (M&E) session with FTUI students at Shizuoka University. During the session, students shared their language challenges during their studies.
The Acting Dean of FTUI, Prof. Ir. Mahmud Sudibandriyo, M.Sc., Ph.D., stated, “This visit is a strategic step to build a broader network of international collaboration. We aim to ensure that our students receive the best academic experience, supported by partner universities, enabling them to contribute significantly to technological and innovation development in Indonesia.”
This visit resulted in various strategic plans expected to enhance cooperation between FTUI, Chiba University, and Shizuoka University. These collaborative initiatives aim to expand educational opportunities for FTUI students and contribute to research and technological innovation development in Indonesia.
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Public Communications Office
Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia