Universitas Indonesia (UI) is ready to collaborate with Pohang Iron and Steel Company (POSCO) Group and Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), South Korea. Collaboration discussion was carried out when Mr. Donghyun Ko, as POSCO Holdings for the industry, Academy, and Research Manager, and his staff visited the UI Campus on Tuesday (2/4).
Head of the International Affairs Office (KUI), drg. Baiduri Widanarko, M. KKK, Ph.D., said that this visit was important in strengthening relations between UI, POSCO, and POSTECH. “The collaboration will be producing a better future for education and industry in Indonesia and South Korea,” said drg. Baiduri.
POSCO is a South Korean steel manufacturer headquartered in Pohang, South Korea. According to Donghyun Ko, POSCO needs collaboration to support the research activities of POSTECH—a private university that focuses on science and engineering. “Indonesia is a very important partner, and we see great potential in collaborating with the Universitas Indonesia. Through this partnership, we hope to make a greater contribution to industrial development in Indonesia, especially in terms of technology and human resource management,” he said.
The collaboration between UI, POSCO, and POSTECH in the research and development of innovation in the industrial sector aims to address the challenges and opportunities. Director of UI Research and Development Munawar Khalil, S.Si., M.Eng.Sc., Ph.D, said that UI has two major responsibilities in research. First, managing research activities internally within the university. Second, facilitating research collaboration, both nationally and internationally. Therefore, research collaboration for industrial research needs will likely be carried out.
At the meeting, UI and POSTECH students also discussed opportunities to participate in student exchange programs and graduate admissions. Student exchange programs can broaden students’ insight into trends and challenges in the global industrial landscape and provide opportunities to study in different cultures, languages, and academic environments.
Scholarship programs also become the main topic of discussion. UI is one of four universities in Indonesia prioritized by the POSCO Group in distributing scholarships to students who excel in academics. Two of them also discussed internships for students to provide experience and hone their abilities in pursuing careers in science, engineering, and industry.
The discussion was held in the Central University Administration Building, UI Depok Campus, and was attended by the Head of Public Relations and KIP Bureau, Dra. Amelita Lusia, M.Sc.; Head of Sub-Directorate for Academic Cooperation at UI, Dr. Eko Saka Purnama; POSTECH Graduate Admissions, Coordinator, Yoon Jeong Woo; and POSTECH International Relations, Student Exchange Coordinator, Aram Yoon.
