Marking Collaboration between Faisalabad University of Agriculture and IPB University, Ambassador of The Islamic Republic of Pakistan Visits IPB University

The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Indonesia, Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, visited IPB University on (10/2). 

During his visit, he was invited to see the IPB University Innovation Gallery by the Vice Rector for Global Connectivity, Cooperation, and Alumni, Prof Iskandar Z Siregar, accompanied by the Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Agromaritime Development, Prof Ernan Rustiadi.

His visit to IPB University was also to witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between IPB University and the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) Pakistan. The MoU was signed by the Rector of IPB University, Prof Arif Satria, and the Vice Chancellor of UAF, Prof Zulfiqar Ali.

Zahid has high hopes that the cooperation between the two universities will run well in the fields of education, research, and community service. He revealed that bilateral relations between Pakistan and Indonesia have been going on for 75 years.

“It is time for the two countries to take joint steps, cooperate in various fields, conduct joint research, and respond to global challenges together. Today, with IPB University, it is related to agriculture. Let us work together to bring benefits and prosperity to both countries,” he said.

Rector Prof Arif Satria said in his speech that IPB University focuses on utilizing innovation to empower farmers, fishermen, and the wider community. This is to ensure that research conducted on campus can have a real impact on society and contribute directly to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“IPB University has various community engagement and learning programs by providing management and capacity building for small farmers. To date, IPB University has reached  7.400 villages across the country, covering 9,83 percent of the total villages in Indonesia. This confirms our commitment to building a resilient society,” he said.

In addition, the Rector also emphasized the importance of university-industry partnerships in advancing research into innovation. To that end, IPB University has developed various programs, such as One Village One CEO (OVOC), Agribusiness and Technology Park (ATP), and the digital platform ‘IPB Digitani’ to support smallholder farmers in agriculture and fisheries.

Through these programs, he hopes to involve more stakeholders and partners, both nationally and internationally, to expand the scope and provide greater impact on society.

“IPB University is always eager to collaborate and work with partners from countries in the southern hemisphere. We hope to collaborate with universities in Pakistan, such as UAF,” he added.

The Rector hopes that today’s visit will be an important step in exploring new collaboration opportunities. “I am confident that the collaboration between IPB University and UAF will encourage impactful initiatives that benefit both institutions and countries.” (dh) (IAAS/ASY)