IPB University Hosts Southeast Asian Higher Education Leadership Program

Amidst the global dynamics of higher education, strengthening leadership capacity is key to building adaptive and visionary universities. In this spirit, IPB University hosted the Leadership Development Program for Higher Education Institutions (LDP-HEIs).

The event, organized by SEAMEO SEARCA in collaboration with The HEAD Foundation (10/21), was attended by prospective leaders in higher education, such as lecturers or staff who are being prepared to become leaders in the future.

Director of Global Connectivity at IPB University, Dr Eva Anggraini, explained that IPB’s participation as a member of the SEARCA and The HEAD Foundation consortium reaffirms the campus’ commitment to strengthening its academic role at the international level.

“This year, we had the opportunity to host this leadership program as a form of contribution to building networks and developing higher education capacity in Southeast Asia,” she said.

IPB University Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Agromaritime Development, Prof Ernan Rustiadi, added that this activity is a good opportunity to build cooperation between universities and learn leadership skills from experienced figures.

“The hope is that participants can absorb knowledge and bring positive impacts to their respective institutions,” Prof Ernan told participants from various countries, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

In her speech, Michelle Leong, Senior Manager of Capacity Building Programs at The HEAD Foundation, explained that this program helps lecturers and university staff develop leadership skills not only in an academic context, but also in university management.

“This program encourages participants to explore ideas, collaborate with mentors, develop action plans, and bring about real change in their institutions,” she said. Meanwhile, Dr N Varaprasad, Director of the 7th LDP-HEIs in SEA Program, mentioned that participants will develop strategic plans based on SWOT analyses of their respective universities. “We want participants to return home with the enthusiasm to bring about real change on their campuses,” he said.

As part of the activities, participants also visited the Agribusiness Technology Park (ATP) and Science Techno Park (STP) at IPB University to see real-world practices in campus innovation and entrepreneurship development.

Dr Varaprasad concluded with an inspiring message: “I hope this cross-border collaboration will continue through joint research projects, faculty exchanges, and other academic collaborations. This is to build strong personal relationships with fellow participants as a community to make a long-term impact on higher education in Asia.” (dh) (IAAS/NVA)