University of Bina Mandiri Gorontalo Expands International Cooperation in Southeast Asia

Campus.UBMG– University Bina Mandiri (UBM) Gorontalo has again expanded international cooperation networks, especially in Southeast Asian countries through the signing of an MoU with Dhurakij Pundit University (DPU) Thailand.

DPU is a university in Bangkok, with a QS University Rank of 4 Stars. Founded in 1968, and upgraded to university status in 1984, it is one of the largest private universities in the Land of the White Elephant.

The Head of International Affairs Office of UBM Gorontalo, Ayu Anastasya Rachman S.Ip, MA who received a mandate from the Rector of UBM, Dr. Titin Dunggio, M.Sc., M.Kes to attend the signing of the MoU explained that the history of merging DPU into a university was also passed by UBM in 2019, which is a combination of 2 higher education.

In addition, both are located in Southeast Asia, making Gorontalo and Bangkok have culinary and living costs that are not much different.

“This similarity serves as a bridge for the two universities to establish activities that provide mutual benefits for students, lecturers and staff at UBM and DPU, among which the agreements are short courses (10 and 15 days programs for students/lecturers) and cultural exchanges," Ayu said.

Not only that, in a discussion with the President of the DPU, Prof. Dr. Siridech Kumsuprom, Ayu Anastasya also suggested holding a follow-up discussion to dissect the possible cooperation program in the short, medium and long term.

“The strategy is to discuss the program in more detail as soon as possible, in order to catch up with the momentum of the MoU. This is based on several successful collaboration experiences carried out by UBM together with campuses from various countries such as the Netherlands, Turkey, England, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Malaysia," she added.

The program that will be the target of International Affairs Office is the involvement of foreign lecturers and online joint research.

"While preparing a joint scholarship framework for students from both campuses to conduct exchanges offline," concluded Ayu, who is also a doctoral candidate in International Relations. (ais/rls/at)