Universitas Indonesia (UI) held a strategic meeting with Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, to explore the expansion of academic programs, research collaboration, and international mobility initiatives. The meeting was led by Prof. Ir. Mahmud Sudibandriyo, M.Sc., Ph.D., Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs of Universitas Indonesia.
Delegation from Nanyang Technological University (NTU):
Dr. Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Senior Advisor (ASEAN and Flagship Programmes), President’s Office, NTU
Former Second Minister for Education, Singapore
Prof. Lydia Helena Wong, Director, Global Alliance of Industries @ NTU (GAIN), President’s Office, NTU
Delegation from Universitas Indonesia (UI)
Prof. Ir. Mahmud Sudibandriyo, M.Sc., Ph.D., Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs
Prof. apt. Rani Sauriasari, M.Med.Sci., Ph.D., CertDA, Director of Research Funding and Ecosystem
Ari Saptawijaya, S.Kom., M.Sc., Ph.D., Vice Dean for Education, Research, and Student Affairs, Faculty of Computer Science
Dr. Muthia Pramesti, S.E., M.M., Assistant Director, International Education Program Development and Partnership, Directorate for Internationalization of Education
Gogor Ariyo Wisnu Pradono, S.Si., MBA, Head of UI Business Incubation and Venture Building Division, Directorate of High-Impact Innovation and Research
Adila Alfa Krisnadhi, S.Kom., M.Sc., Ph.D., Manager of Research and Community Service, Faculty of Computer Science
Arief Wibisono Lubis, S.E., M.F.M., M.Sc., Ph.D., Chief Internationalization and Transformation Officer, Faculty of Economics and Business
During the discussion, both universities explored the development of fast-track and accelerated academic programs, including a 3+1 scheme in which students complete three years of a bachelor’s degree at UI followed by one year of a master’s degree at NTU. Other possible schemes discussed included 4+1, 3.5+1 (with a higher GPA requirement), and 2+2 options for students pursuing a master’s degree by research. These programs may be supported through self-funding mechanisms or scholarships aligned with LPDP standards.
UI also offered a range of short-course programs that could be attended by NTU students, while NTU expressed interest in expanding faculty exchange, joint research, and interdisciplinary collaboration, areas in which NTU has strong expertise. NTU further highlighted its interest in welcoming more Indonesian students, particularly at the master’s level, and noted that its institutional agreement framework typically spans 10 years.
The meeting also discussed opportunities under INSTEP, a joint funding initiative between LPDP and NTU that targets up to 200 students per year, which could potentially be extended to include collaboration with UI. NTU also shared information on its Entrepreneurship Academy, offering opportunities for students interested in innovation and venture creation.
To streamline admissions and administrative processes, NTU offered support in extending the validity of Letters of Acceptance (LoA) to facilitate LPDP applications. Prof. Lydia Helena Wong also proposed closer coordination at the faculty and department levels, suggesting that UI nominate its top-performing students directly to NTU to accelerate the selection process.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue discussions at the faculty level to refine program schemes and identify priority areas for collaboration. Both UI and NTU expressed optimism that the strengthened partnership would enhance academic mobility, interdisciplinary research, and innovation-driven collaboration between Indonesia and Singapore.
Photo Credit: Directorate of Public Relations, Media, Government and International Affairs
