IPB University and Malaysian Embassy Strengthen Academic and Diplomatic Cooperation in Southeast Asia
IPB University received an official visit from the Malaysian Ambassador to Indonesia, Dato’ Syed Mohamad Hasrin Tengku Hussin, during the Malaysian Ambassador’s Joint Program (Temu Dubes) at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Dramaga Campus, Bogor (11/3).
This event served as a momentum to strengthen academic, diplomatic, and cultural relations between Malaysia and Indonesia, particularly in the fields of higher education and agricultural innovation. The meeting reaffirmed the commitment to strengthen cross-border cooperation through dialogue, research collaboration, and student exchanges.
In his speech, IPB University Vice Rector for Global Connectivity, Cooperation, and Alumni, Prof Iskandar Z Siregar, expressed his appreciation for the official visit of the Ambassador and the Malaysian Embassy staff in Indonesia.
“On behalf of IPB University, we would like to welcome the Ambassador and the entire delegation from the Malaysian Embassy to the IPB Dramaga Campus,” said Prof Iskandar.
He added that this visit symbolizes the close relationship between the two countries, not only in intergovernmental diplomacy but also through higher education synergy.
Prof Iskandar revealed that IPB University has around 36 active Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and Memoranda of Agreement (MoA) with more than 24 universities and colleges in Malaysia.
This collaboration covers research, innovation, and joint postgraduate double degree programs with Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).
“IPB University and UPM have long been strategic partners that have contributed greatly to the development of agricultural science in both countries,” he said.
Prof Iskandar added that IPB University continues to develop a technosocio entrepreneurial ecosystem to build a young generation that is resilient, innovative, and globally competitive.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Ambassador to Indonesia, Dato’ Syed Mohamad Hasrin Tengku Hussin, expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome given by IPB University.
“This is my first visit to IPB University. This university is not only leading in Indonesia, but also globally,” he said.
Dato’ Syed Mohamad Hasrin said that the relationship between Malaysia and Indonesia is unique and special because they have many cultural, linguistic, and traditional similarities.
“The relationship between the Malaysian and Indonesian people has existed long before the formation of the two countries. We share the same cultural roots, and this is a great strength in strengthening diplomatic relations,“ he said.
He added that relations between the two countries are currently at a very good stage. ”In 2025, President Prabowo Subianto has visited Malaysia five times, while Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has visited Indonesia twice. This shows the close and increasingly strong relationship between the two countries,“ he said.
The Malaysian Ambassador also revealed the positive developments in economic cooperation between the two countries. ”Two-way trade between Malaysia and Indonesia has reached US$25 billion. Indonesia is now Malaysia’s sixth largest trading partner globally and the second largest in ASEAN,” he explained.
He emphasized that this cooperation will continue to be expanded, including in the education and innovation sectors.
The Temu Dubes was also filled with cultural performances and Malaysian culinary specialties such as tomato rice, as well as warm interactions between Malaysian and Indonesian students.
“I hope that the relationship between the people of Malaysia and Indonesia will continue to be developed, because community relations are the basis for the progress of mature bilateral relations,” concluded Dato’ Syed Mohamad Hasrin. (dr) (IAAS/LAN)
