Enriching educational journey and broaden cultural horizons for globalisation

Jakarta, Sunday 23 June 2024 – HELP University (HU) and Universitas Terbuka Indonesia (UT) are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) that was held at the ASTON Priority Simatupang Hotel & Convention Centre, Jakarta, Indonesia on 22 June 2024. This partnership, effective for five years, aims to foster academic collaboration, exchange, and innovation.

The signing event featured a distinguished guest lecture by Professor Datuk Dr Paul Chan, HELP University’s Chancellor and founding Vice Chancellor, who delivered an insightful talk on “Exploring Qualitative Research: Unveiling Insights for Postgraduate Level Scholars.”  His expertise in this area is well-recognised, and this was distinctly evident during his presentation. Professor Datuk Dr Paul Chan delved into the underlying philosophy that guides the selection of the methods in relation to specific research questions. Throughout the lecture, he demonstrated an exceptional ability to elucidate complex concepts and seamlessly connected theoretical frameworks with practical applications, which significantly enhanced the understanding of qualitative research. His use of analogies and real-world examples made abstract ideas more tangible and relatable, which was particularly beneficial for both students and faculty members in attendance. To encapsulate, his depth of knowledge, coupled with his effective communication and engagement skills, made his session both informative and inspiring. His contributions have undoubtedly enriched the understanding and appreciation of qualitative research methodologies.

The HU Chancellor attended the event along with Professor Dr Liew Teik Kooi (Andy), the Vice Chancellor of HU, who signed both the MoU and MoA.  UT was represented by its Rector, Professor Ojat Darojat, accompanied by Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Associate Professor Dr Mohamad Yunus and Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, Cooperation, and Business, Associate Professor Dr. Rahmat Budiman.  Also present was UT’s Director of Graduate School, Professor Dr Maman Rumanta as a signatory of the MoA. 

This strategic partnership will facilitate multiple exchange and development programmes that include the exchange of staff through expertise and experience sharing to enrich the academic environment across both institutions. It also opens doors for students to study at each other’s institutions, physically or remotely, to broaden their educational horizons either through student mobility or articulation. To further materialise this collaboration, HU and UT have also agreed to implement the exchange of academic publications and information, collaborative research programmes, participate in academic events for intellectual growth, collaborate on creating high-quality educational materials and resources, develop high-quality academic materials, co-sponsor seminars and conferences. Additionally, HU will work closely with UT to promote and recognise the prior learning of adult learners through the award of academic qualifications (APEL.Q) in Malaysia, emphasising lifelong learning and skills recognition. 

“Both the Chancellor and I felt very honoured and would like to express our highest appreciation to the Rector of Universitas Terbuka Indonesia and his team for their warm welcome and excellent hospitality during the visit. This collaboration embodies a core value upheld by HELP University.  The acronym “HELP” in HELP University stands for Higher Education Learning Philosophy, reflecting our commitment to “helping”, by consistently open our doors widely for cooperation and enhancing the quality and standards in higher education globally, and particularly in Southeast Asia.  This partnership provides opportunities for lecturers and students to gain new perspectives through exchange programmes.  I hope that HELP University and Universitas Terbuka Indonesia will succeed in promoting lifelong learning and continuously innovate through our synergy.” said Professor Dr Liew Teik Kooi (Andy), Vice Chancellor of HELP University.

As a start, this synergy will begin with UT’s Faculty of Education and Teacher Training, Faculty of Economics and Business, and School of Postgraduate Education.  The relevant faculties of both universities will constantly connect with each other to carry out related projects, whether for joint degrees, dual awards, or collaborative development of learning materials.  Furthermore, HU will collaborate with UT on adopting AI in teaching and learning processes.

On this remarkable occasion, Professor Ojat Darojat expressed his deepest gratitude for the willingness of the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor of HELP University to be present in person to establish the cooperation and deliver highly beneficial materials for Universitas Terbuka Indonesia.  He said, “This collaboration signifies our commitment to enhancing our academic and research quality. With HELP University as our partner, I hope that more educators will explore research and collaborations with international partners. This initiative is a concrete step by our academics to provide the best for their students. Innovation and harmony in higher education are indeed our concerns in this modern era.”

HU sees this collaboration as an opportunity and a complement in enhancing innovative learning and globalisation.  With UT being one of the largest universities in Indonesia, with over 550,000 students, and emphasising human resource development and promoting lifelong learning, this synergy is a testament to the shared vision and dedication to academic excellence.  HU continues to strive towards being a university with a strong culture of quality and leadership that focuses on sound academic and research standards, continuous improvements, and the development of students, staff, and communities it serves.