Universitas Indonesia (UI) hosted a high-level delegation from the City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) to explore new avenues of academic collaboration, with a strong focus on postgraduate education, research innovation, and joint degree opportunities.
The CityUHK delegation included:
Professor Yue Chee Yoon, Dean of the Chow Yei Ching School of Graduate Studies
Professor Fatwa Firdaus Abdi, Associate Professor, School of Energy and Environment
Ms. Helen Lam, Director of the Chow Yei Ching School of Graduate Studies
The UI delegation was led by:
Prof. Ir. Mahmud Sudibandriyo, M.Sc., Ph.D., Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs
Prof. Kemas Ridwan Kurniawan, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Engineering
Prof. Dede Djuhana, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Fadhilah Muslim, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., DIC, Director of Internationalization of Education
Prof. apt. Rani Sauriasari, M.Med.Sci., Ph.D., CertDA, Director of Research Funding and Ecosystem
Munawar Khalil, S.Si., M.Eng.Sc., Ph.D., Manager of Internationalization and Global Ranking, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
CityUHK, a leading public research university in Hong Kong, is internationally recognized for its dynamic and innovative postgraduate education. The delegation represented the Chow Yei Ching School of Graduate Studies, which plays a vital role in advancing research and innovation across the university’s nine faculties and institutions, including engineering, science, business, social sciences, and veterinary medicine.
During the meeting, Professor Yue highlighted CityUHK’s global research impact and rapid academic growth. He noted that CityUHK hosts around 10,000 master’s students and is supported by over 800 professors and 3,000 staff. Professor Yue, a World’s Top 2% Scientist in 2022 and 2023 (Clarivate Analytics), emphasized the university’s partnerships with globally renowned institutions such as Cambridge University and Imperial College London. He also introduced key initiatives under the CityUHK Academy of Innovation, including:
Graduate Research and Innovation Trek (GRIT)
PhD by Innovation
MSc in Venture Creation
Overseas Start-up Technology Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)
CityUHK expressed strong interest in hosting UI professors and PhD students for collaborative research and publications. These efforts are aimed at boosting the global academic reputation and improving QS rankings for both institutions.
From the UI’s side, Prof. Kemas presented the Faculty of Engineering’s focus on entrepreneurship and digital learning. Dr. Fadhilah shared UI’s commitment to developing double and joint degree programs at the postgraduate level, aligning with Indonesian government initiatives to expand international academic mobility. Prof. Rani Sauriasari proposed a structured matchmaking program for collaborative research, inspired by successful models such as INU-COST.
CityUHK is already listed as a recognized LPDP (Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education) destination, and offers several scholarships for Indonesian students. Prof. Mahmud also noted the Indonesian government’s recent announcement of 1,000 LPDP scholarships dedicated to double degree programs for Indonesian lecturers.
Both universities agreed to begin implementing their collaboration in 2026, focusing on joint initiatives supported by LPDP and other international funding schemes. Key areas of collaboration will include engineering and science, with plans for student mobility, joint research, and curriculum development.
Several UI students, including one PhD student under Dr. Khalil’s supervision, are already preparing to pursue studies at CityUHK as part of this growing partnership.
This strategic dialogue represents a significant milestone in UI’s ongoing mission to strengthen its global partnerships and support international academic excellence for its community.
Photo Credit: Directorate for Internationalization of Education
