UNDIP, Semarang (March 20) – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) has officially established a collaboration with PT Sigma Utama in the field of Tri Dharma of Higher Education development. This partnership was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 10:00 AM WIB in the Rector’s Meeting Room, Widya Puraya Building, UNDIP Tembalang Campus.
During the event, the first MoU was signed between the UNDIP Rector, Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., and PT Sigma Utama President Director, Benny Frengki Simanjuntak. The second MoU was signed between the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Mathematics UNDIP, Prof. Dr. Kusworo Adi, S.Si., M.T., and Benny Frengki Simanjuntak, witnessed directly by the Rector.
In his speech, Prof. Suharnomo expressed his appreciation and welcomed the collaboration between UNDIP, the Faculty of Science and Mathematics, and PT Sigma Utama. He emphasized the importance of synergy between academia and industry in technological development, noting that many innovations originate in universities but often do not progress beyond the laboratory stage.
“We highly appreciate and warmly welcome this collaboration. In today’s era, we cannot work alone—we must collaborate and synergize for mutual success,” said Prof. Suharnomo.
This partnership allows UNDIP to stay updated with industry advancements while enabling the industry to benefit from academic research and innovation. UNDIP also commended PT Sigma Utama’s initiative, hoping that this synergy would encourage state-owned enterprises (BUMN) to compete on a global scale. Additionally, the collaboration opens opportunities for students to gain hands-on industry experience through internships.
PT Sigma Utama President Director Benny Frengki Simanjuntak expressed pride in the partnership, seeing it as a significant opportunity for future product development. He also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting the use of more environmentally friendly local products.
“We sincerely appreciate the opportunity for collaboration. It is an honor for PT Sigma Utama to work with UNDIP to advance students academically and in research. I hope this partnership will bring broad benefits, not just to both institutions but also to the progress of the nation,” he stated.
The MoU covers various key aspects of Tri Dharma of Higher Education development. The collaboration between UNDIP and PT Sigma Utama includes education, research, and community service. Meanwhile, the partnership between the Faculty of Science and Mathematics UNDIP and PT Sigma Utama specifically focuses on:
- Research collaboration
- Academic programs, including the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program
- Training and curriculum development
- Research and publication
- Utilization of research findings, including appropriate technology for community service projects
- Expert empowerment
- Campus-industry synergy activities
- Commitment to graduate employment based on predetermined criteria and procedures
The event concluded with an exchange of souvenirs as a symbol of commitment, followed by a group photo session with representatives from UNDIP and PT Sigma Utama. This MoU signing is expected to serve as a strategic step in advancing knowledge and technological innovation for the benefit of society and industry.
