Strengthening Global Partnerships, IPB University Vocational School Establishes Collaboration with Several Polytechnics in Guangdong
IPB University Vocational School has established strategic cooperation with several polytechnics from Guangdong Province, China. This was marked by the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MoA) between IPB University and Guangdong Construction Polytechnic.
The Vice Rector of IPB University for Global Connectivity, Cooperation, and Alumni, Prof Iskandar Z Siregar, explained that cooperation with polytechnic partners in China had previously been established through several programs, such as online Mandarin language classes attended by students of the Vocational School.
“We believe international collaboration is very important in equipping students with global competencies. We have also planned for a delegation from the Vocational School to depart for Guangdong at the end of October to further discuss cooperation in the fields of computer engineering, software engineering, as well as digital communication and media,” said Prof Iskandar.
In response to this, Chairman of the Guangdong Education Association of International Exchange, Prof Zhou Fengfei, expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome from IPB University. “We greatly appreciate the signing of the cooperation carried out today,” he said.
He assessed that Guangdong Province is currently in a period of rapid growth and has become a strategic location for the development of vocational-based education. Therefore, Prof Zhou hopes that this cooperation can open up great opportunities, both in the development of experts, student exchanges, as well as research collaboration and lecturer training.
The MoA agreement includes cooperation in the development of academic programs, research collaboration, cultural exchanges, and participation in international seminars and conferences. In addition, a short-term student exchange scheme was also agreed upon, enabling student mobility from both institutions to participate in study programs, internships, or joint research.
In the discussion session, both parties also discussed various possibilities for further cooperation, including the development of teaching factories, strengthening vocational soft skills, as well as mentoring for industry-based curriculum transformation.
The Dean of the IPB University Vocational School, Dr Aceng Hidayat, stated that this international cooperation is part of the Vocational School’s vision to continue presenting vocational programs that are applicative, adaptive, and solution-based.
“We continue to strive to build strategic synergy at the global level. This is part of our commitment to presenting educational and applied research programs that are implementative, oriented toward solving real problems, and have a high impact on society and industry,” said Dr Aceng.
Several leaders of polytechnic institutions from Guangdong also expressed their readiness to collaborate with the IPB University Vocational School. Among them are Dr Yao Kan (Guangzhou Nanyang Polytechnic College), Dr Yan Weifeng (Guangzhou City Construction College), Dr Chen Dali (Foshan Polytechnic), and Dr Qian Fang (Guangzhou Huashang Vocational College). (*/Rz) (IAAS/KMR)
