Strengthening Cooperation in Agricultural Research and Technology, IPB University Hosts CIUICA Consortium
In order to strengthen cooperation and research in agriculture and technology, IPB University together with Dezhou University, China organised the 2nd International Seminar of the China (Shandong) – Indonesia Universities International Cooperation Alliance (CIUICA).
IPB University this year hosted the international seminar of the CIUICA consortium which was held at IPB Dramaga Campus, Bogor (22/4). Until now, there are 50 Indonesian universities and 35 Shandong universities that are members of the CIUCIA consortium.
Vice Rector for Education and Student Affairs of IPB University, Prof drh Deni Noviana said the second CIUICA international seminar was arranged as an annual agenda to strengthen the network of cooperation in various fields between the participants and related stakeholders. This, according to her, is in line with the vision of IPB University which continues to place agriculture as a concern in its various strategic plans.
‘IPB University is ranked 51st in the QS World University Ranking on the subject of Agriculture and Forestry in 2024. Among the top-10 universities in Asia on the subject, there are 5 Chinese universities, and IPB University is in position number 7,’ he said.
Prof Deni hopes that this meeting can produce various outcomes, including sharing research results and ideas in agriculture and technology. Furthermore, this forum is also expected to strengthen the cooperative relationship between China and Indonesia, with a focus on concrete steps that can be taken in the future.
Mr Zhong Hongbo, Deputy Director of the Shandong Provincial Department of Education, said the meeting marked the resumption of personnel exchanges, science and technology (science and technology) cooperation, education, facilities, and tourism between the two sides, as well as cultural exchanges between communities.
‘This step is an important implementation of the understanding reached by the leaders of the two countries, which promotes the positive development of education and community between China and Indonesia,’ he said.
President of Dezhou University, Prof Zhao Changlin said the consortium’s initiation could be a trigger for the establishment of centres of excellence in various other fields that match the core expertise of CIUICA member universities.
‘It is hoped that through this initiative, there will be increased collaboration between the universities in the consortium to develop excellent programmes that utilise their collective expertise,’ he said.
On that occasion, Vice Rector for Global Connectivity, Cooperation and Alumni of IPB University, Prof Iskandar Z Siregar revealed that Indonesia and China are food-producing countries for Asia and the world, one of which is rice.
He said, IPB University was committed to encouraging a network of universities in the global-south in transforming towards sustainable development, among others, to advance agriculture supported by innovation and technology.
‘Through this forum, we can jointly formulate strategic programmes and plan the expansion of cooperation with other parties in China, Indonesia and even the Asian region,’ he said. (dr/Rz) (IAAS/RUM)
