Universitas Indonesia and South China Normal University Forge Collaborative Pathways in AI Pedagogy, Vocational Training, and Student Mobility

Universitas Indonesia (UI) recently welcomed a distinguished delegation from South China Normal University (SCNU) to explore and establish robust academic collaborations. The strategic dialogue focused on pioneering future-ready educational frameworks, encompassing AI-driven pedagogical training, vocational development, and reciprocal student mobility.

The delegation from South China Normal University included:

• ZHAO DI – Vice Director of Office of International Exchange & Cooperation, Hongkong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs Office
• MO XUNNAN – Vice Dean of Undergraduate School
• Prof. JIANG LUAN – Vice Dean of School of Economic and Management
• Assoc. Prof. GUO HUA – Vice Dean of School of Tourism Management
• DAI XIANGBIN – Director, School of International Culture
• LI NING – Section Chief, International Education Section of Office of International Exchange & Cooperation

The Universitas Indonesia delegation was represented by:

• Rouli Esther, M.Si., M.A., Ph.D. – Vice Dean for Academic, Research, and Student Affairs
• Dr. Diaz Pranita, S.T.Par., M.M. – Head of International Office, Vocational Education Program
• Dr. Muthia Pramesti, S.E., M.M. – International and Transformation Organization Team, Faculty Economics and Business
• Ir. Jaka Fajar Fatriansyah, M.Sc., Ph.D., ASEAN Eng., IPU – Head of the Sub-Directorate of International Education Development, Directorate for Internationalization of Education
• Yunitha Fajarwati S.Hum – Section Head, International Partnership, Directorate for Internationalization of Education
• Hanny Kemala Fauster – International Visits Officer, Directorate for Internationalization of Education

During the engaging discussion, both institutions agreed to initiate their partnership with targeted, small-scale pilot programs. Recognizing the immediate impact of short-term engagements, they prioritized one-to-two-week student exchange initiatives and summer camps as highly effective preliminary steps. Furthermore, the dialogue highlighted progressive capacity-building initiatives, with SCNU presenting specialized faculty exchange opportunities focused on advanced teacher training and cutting-edge AI-based pedagogy.

The meeting also delved into expanding formal academic and practical pathways. Representatives evaluated the strategic advantages of credit-earning exchange programs, which are deemed more immediately implementable, while concurrently laying the foundational groundwork for comprehensive 1+1 joint degree structures that require detailed curriculum mapping. In alignment with global industry demands, both universities expressed a strong mutual interest in vocational education, particularly targeting tourism, creative business, and internship-based experiential learning models.

To navigate the administrative and financial aspects of these ambitious programs, both parties engaged in transparent discussions regarding living costs, tuition fees, and language requirements. Acknowledging shared funding limitations, the institutions committed to proactively exploring external sponsorships and scholarship frameworks. The meeting concluded with clear, actionable next steps, including the appointment of dedicated contact persons, the confirmation of participant quotas for initial pilot cohorts, and the scheduling of focused online technical meetings to execute the curriculum mapping required for future credit transfer schemes.

Photo Credit: Directorate for Internationalization of Education