Widening Collaboration in the Middle East, IPB University Establishes Communication with the Riyad Education and Culture Attorney
IPB University plans to strengthen the agricultural cooperation network at the Asian level, especially in Saudi Arabia. In order to achieve this target, IPB University held an online coordination meeting with Badrus Sholeh PhD, Attache for Education and Culture (Atdikbud), Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) Riyadh (25/7).
Dr. Jaenal Effendi serves as a central liaison, facilitating communication with the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia, aimed at establishing a collaborative partnership with the seven most significant universities in Saudi Arabia. He initiated the Zoom conference and presided over the session as the moderator.
Prof Iskandar Z Siregar, Vice Rector of IPB University in the field of Global Connectivity, Collaboration and Alumni Relations in his remarks said that IPB University has several strategic agendas for the next five years. One of them is the improvement of the Science Techno Park (STP) infrastructure which was welcomed by the National University Singapore (NUS).
“IPB University intends to expand its collaborative network at the Asian level by prioritizing key performance indicators (IKU) first. In Southeast Asia, IPB University is also collaborating with various forums, one of which is Asia Hub and Asia University of Forum, while the Middle East region will only be realized,” he said.
Discussions with the Atdikbud of Saudi Arabia were carried out to gain information and the country’s potential effectively. Prof Iskandar said, networking initiatives in the Middle East must understand the conditions there and take advantage of the existing potential.
“There are several activities currently underway with the Middle East region, one of which was the visit of the Kuwaiti Ambassador to IPB University some time ago. Then also the collaboration of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK) with Al Yasin Agriculture in the field of fisheries,” he explained.
Prof drh Deni Noviana, Vice Rector of IPB University in the field of Education and Student Affairs also mentioned student exchange through the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) and non-IISMA schemes. “Opportunities for scholarships up to doctoral degrees and the opportunity to perform the Umrah pilgrimage can be an attraction for students,” he said
“IPB University is also exploring cooperation with King Faisal University,” explained Prof. Dodik Ridho Nurrochmat, Dean of the IPB University Postgraduate School. Its university profile which is engaged in agriculture, is very close to IPB University.
He said that IPB University had prepared for a long time to establish closer relations with the Saudis. However, IPB University’s expertise is known by agricultural experts in the Middle East. “The experts for kings and sultans are also from IPB University,” he added.
He hopes that not only IPB University students will continue their studies in the Middle East, but students from the Middle East can also study at IPB University.
In the discussion Prof. Fredinan Yulianda, Dean of IPB University added, the cooperation between FPIK IPB in the field of fisheries with Al Yasin Agriculture requires the support of the Atdikbud in terms of infrastructure facilities.
Dr Irfan Syauqi Beik, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Management IPB University also hopes for assistance from the Atdikbud in terms of access to accelerating the process of cooperation in the diplomatic route. “Apart from encouraging the development of agriculture and business networks, cooperation with Saudi Arabia can also push IPB University to become the largest halal centre in Southeast Asia,” he concluded.
Dr. Jaenal Effendi serves as a central liaison, facilitating communication with the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia, aimed at establishing a collaborative partnership with the seven most significant universities in Saudi Arabia. He initiated the Zoom conference and presided over the session as the moderator. (MW/Rz) (IAAS/AMR)
