Guangdong, China (7/9) – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) expanded its international network through the Guangdong–Indonesia Higher Vocational Education Exchange Seminar. During the event, UNDIP initiated collaboration with educational institutions in Guangdong Province by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Guangdong Food and Drug Vocational College. One of the key activities was exploring potential collaboration with the AI and robotics center at the School of Digital Business at Guangzhou City Polytechnic.
The UNDIP delegation was led by Rector Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., accompanied by the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Dr. Jamari, S.T., M.T., IPU., ASEAN Eng., and the Director of Innovation and Cooperation, drh. Dian Wahyu Harjanti, Ph.D.
The MoU was signed by Prof. Suharnomo and Deputy Director Prof. Hou Song, and witnessed by the President of the Guangdong Education Association of International Exchange (GDEAIE) and the President of Guangzhou Huashang Vocational College, Prof. Lu Kunjian.
During the meeting, GDEAIE expressed its interest in establishing a collaboration with UNDIP, one of Indonesia’s leading universities. The partnership will focus on Guangdong–Indonesia student mobility, curriculum development, improving learning quality, and strengthening vocational education collaboration with industry, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), food, healthcare, agricultural technology digitalization, and the creative industries.
Prof. Suharnomo welcomed the opportunity and affirmed UNDIP’s readiness to develop partnerships that connect education, research, and innovation with industry needs. The potential for such collaboration is further supported by the development of industrial areas in Central Java, including the Batang Integrated Industrial Estate (KITB), which has attracted investment from various international companies, including those from China.
UNDIP Rector Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., emphasized that the development of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and digital technology is one of the strategic areas that needs to be strengthened through international collaboration.
“We see significant opportunities to connect UNDIP’s academic strengths with developments in technology and industry. We hope that UNDIP students and researchers will gain access to advanced technology ecosystems. At the same time, the education and research outcomes developed can become increasingly aligned with industry needs and deliver tangible benefits to society,” he added.
The event, facilitated by CUCAS (China’s University and College Admission System), also discussed the establishment of university–industry collaboration clusters. CUCAS Indonesia CEO Mr. Zhou Dong encouraged collaboration between Indonesian universities and specific industry sectors to create stronger links and alignment between education and industry.
In line with this initiative, UNDIP also plans to establish a Mandarin Center and explore collaboration with CUCAS to equip students with competencies aligned with the needs of Chinese industries operating in Indonesia. The series of activities continued with a visit to the AI and robotics center and the School of Digital Business at Guangzhou City Polytechnic. The meeting is expected to serve as an initial step toward concrete programs between UNDIP and its partners in Guangdong across education, technology, innovation, student mobility, and university–industry collaboration. (Public Communication/UNDIP/Dian Wahyu Harjanti)