The collaboration was discussed during a meeting between the President of Hanyang University and UGM leaders on Thursday (Dec. 12) at the UGM Central Office.  

UGM’s Vice-Rector for Education and Teaching, Professor Wening Udasmoro, warmly welcomed the proposed student exchange programs through the Indonesia International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) scheme and UGM’s International Undergraduate Program (IUP). 

“We are delighted to embrace this collaboration, and UGM has spent years building connections with international universities. Therefore, we aim to further expand student exchange programs,” said Professor Udasmoro.  

Dr. Ki-Jeong Lee, President of Hanyang University, presented three main programs: student exchange for summer and winter courses, faculty exchange, and AI-based research. 

He highlighted UGM as a strong partner with great potential for advancing AI education and research. 

“We hope to establish cooperation not just between universities but also among faculties,” he remarked.  

Dr. Jae-Hoon Jung, Director of International Cooperation at Hanyang University, further elaborated that Hanyang University offers numerous funding opportunities for AI research. He desired faculty members from both institutions to initiate joint projects. 

“This collaboration will focus primarily on engineering for AI development. Many students are particularly interested in AI for addressing social issues and mental health,” he explained.  

Seven UGM faculty representatives were also positively receptive to the proposed partnership at the meeting.

These faculties included the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (Fisipol), Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK), and Faculty of Engineering (FT). 

Each faculty will establish cooperation programs aligned with their respective clusters in collaboration with Hanyang University faculties.  

As noted, the partnership between UGM and Hanyang University began in 2006 and was renewed in 2023. 

Over the course of this collaboration, 39 UGM students have successfully participated in exchange programs at Hanyang University. Additionally, through short course programs, more Hanyang University students are expected to have the opportunity to study at UGM.  

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At UGM’s Central Office on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, the meeting was attended by UGM’s Vice-Rector for Asset Management and Information Systems, Dr. Arief Setiawan Budi Nugroho, and NUAA’s Vice President, Zhang Qiqian.

Both parties agreed to further collaborate in student development and scientific research programs. 

With the progress made so far, they aim to draft an agreement to establish an International Joint Laboratory in the fields of Digi-Medical Engineering and Integrated Measurement Systems, with the goal of fostering continuous academic development together.

In his speech, UGM’s Vice-Rector for Asset Management and Information Systems, Dr. Arief Setiawan Budi Nugroho, mentioned that in 2023, the partnership between the two universities was strengthened through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). 

Since then, both universities have conducted various activities, including joint laboratories, student exchanges, guest lectures, summer classes, short-term research projects, and workshops.

He emphasized that this collaboration requires strong cooperation between both institutions. With a spirit of partnership, he is confident that both universities can transform opportunities into tangible benefits. 

“This collaboration aims to advance quality education by focusing on the three main pillars of higher education: teaching and learning, research and publication, and community service,” Dr. Nugroho stated.

NUAA’s Vice President, Zhang Qiqian, expressed his pleasure at visiting Universitas Gadjah Mada on behalf of NUAA. 

As one of China’s first aeronautics institutes, NUAA excels in aeronautics, astronautics, and civil aviation, strongly emphasizing international exchange and collaboration. 

He also mentioned that NUAA has established long-term partnerships with 200 renowned universities worldwide and continues building global collaboration platforms.

The partnership between NUAA and UGM has yielded many positive outcomes, supported by the signing of several agreements, including the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the Global Partnership Agreement. 

The collaboration was further strengthened in July 2023 with the establishment of the International Joint Laboratory for Digital Medical Engineering and Integrated Measurement Systems.

“NUAA is very enthusiastic about deepening its collaboration with UGM in areas such as joint student training, faculty exchanges, and academic research, particularly in fields such as diversity, electrical engineering, and chemical engineering,” Zhang Qiqian concluded.

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This event, themed “Women in Stream,” was a collaboration between UGM and two renowned international universities: the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Tsinghua University (THU) in China. 

GIFTS opened on Thursday (Nov. 14), and dozens of academics, experts, and industry professionals participated.

UGM Vice-Rector for Education and Teaching Professor Wening Udasmoro commended the collaboration between the three universities in developing the technopark concept, which integrates academics with technology. 

“We want to address socio-cultural, environmental, and inclusivity issues. The hope is that we produce innovations and impact society,” said Professor Udasmoro.

She further explained that UGM aims to create a platform for industry players to collaborate with the academic sector. 

GIK UGM is one way to implement this commitment. Through this initiative, academics can align their perspectives with the industry, leading to innovations that contribute to national development. 

She also highlighted technology as the largest channel for innovation capable of driving change.

Brian Koh from NUS echoed similar sentiments. He emphasized that universities are centers for innovation, technological development, and evaluations for the future. 

The academic sector must collaborate across countries and disciplines. Koh stated that innovation is meaningless if it is not realized for society’s benefit. 

“Innovation is the process of transforming and finding solutions. There’s always a problem that needs solving. This element is essential for our innovation to have an impact,” Koh explained.

Moreover, he hopes that GIFTS 2024 will inspire further collaborations in addressing the various global crises of today.

In line with this, Wang Xiaoxiao from THU emphasized the need to promote the role of women in academics and information technology. 

“We aim to create real-world solutions, and that is the purpose of our collaboration. We want to create an inclusive world, which is our theme,” Wang stated.

The THU representative added that this collaboration is intended to be sustainable and impactful, not just limited to one or two programs. 

GIFTS 2024 focuses on inclusivity, particularly the role of women in technological advancements. 

This urgency stems from data showing that women’s involvement in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Management (STREAM) industry is only 28%, and the field is still largely dominated by men. 

GIFTS 2024 hosted seminars and various science and technology skills training sessions for women in response to this issue.

It featured a series of programs, including seminars, talk shows, workshops, and exhibitions, aimed at opening opportunities for women to contribute according to their interests and talents. 

Bringing together experts in their respective fields, it focused on discussing social issues, particularly the role of women in technology, science, entrepreneurship, the arts, and management. 

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This initiative, in collaboration with students from UGM and the Gyeongnam International Development Cooperation Center (GNIDCC), includes capacity-building training involving communities in Karangwuni and Bugel villages, Kulonprogo, Yogyakarta.

Dr. Rustamaji, Director of Community Service at UGM, stated that the collaboration between the regional centers of expertise from Yogyakarta and Tongyeong, South Korea, is expected to contribute to solving environmental issues, particularly marine debris on the southern coast of Indonesia. 

“Moreover, waste has become a major issue in Yogyakarta due to the full capacity of the Final Disposal Site (TPA), which has worsened our environmental conditions,” he said in a statement to the press on Saturday (Nov. 2).

Dr. Rustamaji noted that the decision to hold the marine debris management training in Karangwuni village was particularly appropriate, as most residents are fishermen who face the challenge of marine waste impacting the sustainability of their marine resources. 

“Through this training, it is hoped that local communities will become more aware of the need to protect marine ecosystems and adopt sustainable marine resource management practices,” he said.

The series of activities included training, seminars, and workshops, all part of efforts to strengthen commitments to Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and better environmental management. 

During the training session, UGM students and their Korean counterparts conducted outreach to Karangwuni State Elementary School students. 

They provided education on the importance of keeping the sea clean and the negative impacts of marine debris on the environment and local livelihoods.

Several UGM students participated in the training, including five from the Faculty of Biology: Maidira Marsa Rabbani, Laras Ati, Dinda Luthfiani Nurul Ulya, Manika Rosalia Lysander, and Raja Steve Sudjatmiko Panggabean. 

Several other students from the Vocational College, the Faculty of Economics and Business, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, and the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing joined them.

Maidira Marsa Rabbani stated that the coastal waste management campaign initiative involved various groups to raise public awareness about waste management across all segments of society. 

“By fostering a culture of environmental responsibility, this project aims to enhance coastal ecosystem resilience and promote sustainable practices among residents for the sake of a better environmental future,” she said.

R Subagya, Head of Karangwuni Village, expressed that this training is an effort to protect the marine ecosystem in their village. 

He hopes that students will become more aware of the need to protect the marine environment. 

“As residents of Karangwuni Village, we must set an example in protecting the sea. The waste we dump into the sea will return to us, affecting our fish catch and our environment. Let’s all learn together to keep the sea clean for your future and our children and grandchildren,” he said.

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The conference concluded with a performance of the Beksan Wanara dance, where participants were invited to join the dancers on stage.

In her closing remarks, Professor Choi expressed that the AAS in Asia conference had run smoothly and provided participants with valuable experiences in sharing research findings and enjoying the cultural attractions organized by the host. 

“It has been truly amazing to collaborate with UGM this year. The organizing committee, the cultural events, and the panels were exceptional and meticulously prepared. Once again, I would like to thank everyone who attended this conference,” Professor Choi said.

Professor Wening Udasmoro appreciated the participants who enthusiastically attended the three-day conference. 

“The packed schedule and numerous panels featuring intriguing topics have made this an intellectually rigorous journey,” Professor Udasmoro stated.

She noted that the research presentations delivered by the participants have been a source of inspiration and academic enrichment. They cover efforts to address social, political, and economic disparities and the dynamic relationships within these areas. 

“Throughout this conference, we have explored how traditional cultures are preserved, modified, and hybridized,” the vice-rector said.

At the conference, many participants presented studies on new cultures that evolve within their original contexts and transcend national borders. 

Professor Udasmoro also mentioned that the world is confronted with the reality of cultural marginalization, even within Indigenous communities. Marginalized cultural communities employ various strategies to survive and resist. 

“I believe that in Asia, along with insights from researchers, cultural practitioners, and artists from around the world, we have shed light on this phenomenon,” she added.

Professor Udasmoro sincerely thanked all participants for their contributions and for sharing their research and cultural experiences. 

UGM, as part of the global educational network, warmly welcomes the opportunities for collaboration across various fields of study that this conference has fostered. 

“Our sincere hope is that the AAS in Asia conference hosted by UGM has created positive memories for all participants,” Professor Udasmoro concluded.

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Conference participants, including academics from different countries worldwide, had the opportunity to practice the art of Javanese, Arabic, Chinese, and Korean calligraphy in four separate classes under the guidance of skilled artists. 

“It’s a delightful experience because in between academic sessions, we can also engage in such interesting activities,” said Megan, a conference participant from the UK who attended the Javanese Calligraphy training.

The workshop featured four calligraphy artists who taught the participants. 

They were Kim Jang Hyun, an artist from Korea; Kashif Khan, a Sufi calligraphy artist; Wahono Simbah, a Javanese calligraphy artist; and Mansheng Wang, a Chinese painter and calligraphy artist.

Each class was attended by a dozen participants, adjusted to the room’s capacity. During the approximately 2-hour workshop, participants learned basic letters and various brushstroke techniques and created simple calligraphy on special paper provided.

Through this experience, participants also learned about the values embedded in calligraphy within each culture. 

“Calligraphy is a spiritual practice that helps us build our identity. As we practice writing letter by letter, each one helps us grow from within,” said Noman Baig, a lecturer from Habib University Pakistan, a speaker in the discussion session.

According to Baig, participants are encouraged to appreciate beauty and celebrate human values through calligraphy. A similar sentiment was expressed by Mansheng Wang, who explained in his class how calligraphy can depict the beauty of nature, much like painting. 

“Calligraphy and painting belong to the same family. In the past, people understood calligraphy as being like a painting, often inspired by nature,” Wang said.

Kim Jang Hyun stated that calligraphy offers the beauty of carved works and brushstrokes and conveys messages to the younger generation about the spirit of happiness and historical heritage. 

Nowadays, Korean calligraphy is used in digital media communication to promote movie covers.

Wahono Simbah, a Javanese calligraphy enthusiast, explained that Javanese calligraphy always uses Javanese script, including murda, swara, and rekan characters. 

Generally, Javanese calligraphy conveys messages about the relationship between the universe, God, and humans, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the balance of life. 

However, in the modern era, Javanese calligraphy delivers messages of happiness, beauty, and goodness. 

“It all stems from the Javanese philosophy, “Memayu Hayuning Bawono,” which reminds us always to keep the earth beautiful and sustainable. Everyone is a leader in preserving it,” Simbah said.

The calligraphy workshop titled “Of Divine Eloquence: Intertwined Conversation in The Language of Islamic, Chinese, Javanese, and Korean Calligraphies” was one of the activities at the AAS-in-Asia Conference, held from July 9-11, brought together academics from various countries who specialize in Asian studies. 

In addition to the calligraphy classes, a gamelan workshop was also held earlier. These special sessions were organized to provide a unique academic experience.

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Their involvement aimed to promote UGM’s graduate student admissions programs and attract international academics to pursue further studies at UGM.

“This is a great opportunity to introduce UGM’s graduate programs, especially those open to international students, such as double degree, joint degree programs, or other global partnership scholarships available for foreign nationals,” explained Sri Haryanti, Coordinator of Promotion at the Directorate of Education and Teaching.

Sri Haryanti further elaborated that the double degree programs offered by UGM are conducted in collaboration with at least one partner university abroad, involving different or similar study programs at the same or other levels. 

“The subjects offered in these programs are very diverse, targeting disciplines and thematic issues within the global Asian scope, such as history, literature, religion, film, politics, labor, gender, archaeology, anthropology, sociology, linguistics, media studies, social movements, public health, and environmental studies,” Haryanti added.

The scheme for joint degree programs is almost the same as the double degree, but joint degrees involve the same study program and level, resulting in one degree that recognizes educational achievements.

At the exhibition, UGM also clearly explained the registration process, including the process, procedures, and required documents, specifically for international students. 

“We have staff ready to assist visitors with comprehensive information,” Haryanti concluded.

Not only introducing graduate programs to international academics at UGM’s booth, visitors could also obtain information about international community service collaboration programs, mainly through UGM’s KKN-PPM (Student Community Service Program). Visitors could also learn about various research outcomes at UGM.

Nishit, an AAS-in Asia participant and a researcher from Jawaharlal Nehru University, India, shared that he first learned about UGM from a friend studying at one of the universities in Yogyakarta. 

From there, Nishit discovered UGM as one of the prominent universities in Asia. 

This also attracted him to visit UGM to participate in the AAS-in-Asia Conference, where he could meet other researchers from across Asia and discuss literature and Chinese films, particularly documentaries, which align with his interests in Chinese Literature and Language.

“This is a major conference. I previously participated in the AAS-in Asia Conference in 2023. Indonesia is a beautiful country close to India, so I was interested in joining again this year,” he admitted. 

At this conference, Nishit also joined a panel correlated with his Chinese literature and culture study interests.

Andre, a professor in the field of geography from Syracuse University New York, originally from the Philippines, mentioned that he had a connection with UGM. 

The AAS-in-Asia Conference brought him to Java for the first time to get to know UGM better. At the conference, Andre participated in research on urbanization issues. 

“UGM is very large and expansive. The culture, homes, and atmosphere at UGM remind me of my hometown in the Philippines. This makes me interested in connecting more with UGM,” Professor Andre said.

The AAS-in-Asia Conference provides a platform for academics specializing in Asian studies to exchange ideas and build connections. 

The 2024 conference was held at UGM, with over 1,500 participants from 43 countries, following the previous year’s success in Daegu, South Korea.

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This mural exhibition was part of a graffiti workshop, one of the side events of the Association for Asian Studies (AAS) in Asia Conference, held from Jul. 9 to 11, 2024.

Fira, one of the graffiti workshop coordinators, stated that this was part of a larger research project by Professor Richard Fox, an Asian Studies researcher from Victoria University, Australia, called the Gegayuhan Project. 

“This project explores human aspirations through pop culture, one of which is street art and graffiti in Jogja,” said Fira, an assistant to Professor Richard Fox.

Through this project, she noted that involving street artists and graffiti artists in the AAS in Asia conference was not only to gain their perspectives on graffiti art but also to contribute to the outcome of extensive discussions with mural art enthusiasts. 

She said discussing the community without directly involving those in it would be unethical. 

“So, we don’t just get their perspectives; we truly learn with them and alongside them,” she explained.

She emphasized that these artists are not research subjects but participants, and all parties involved actively participated in learning more about this community. 

During the panel discussions, the artists spoke about themselves and their contributions to the community through various avenues, such as academics, research, and even by joining international participants. 

“They also discussed how graffiti art can enter exhibition spaces and be regarded as an equal and unique part of the art world,” she added.

Fira mentioned that graffiti art has survived and thrived because of the friendships that unite the artists. 

“Everything is done together in group drawing activities, without regard for who they are or where they come from,” she said.

Nick, one of the artists participating in this event, shared that his work depicts his name. He wanted to show that the form of letters or text in graffiti can be diverse. 

“I just wanted to show that graffiti letters or text come in various forms, and this is one of the different ones. As you can see, there are many different styles,” Nick said.

He appreciated the organizers for involving the artists in one of the activities of this international conference.

“It’s very rare for graffiti to enter such a serious realm, like in a conference like this,” Nick concluded.

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They participated in the AAS-in-Asia 2024 Conference, an event organized by the Association for Asian Studies in collaboration with Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The AAS-in-Asia Conference from July 9 to 11 provides a platform for academics specializing in Asian studies to exchange ideas and build connections. 

The Gamelan Workshop was one of the conference’s noteworthy features, offering global academics a unique and valuable experience.

“This is my first time playing gamelan, and it’s been delightful. I had an excellent teacher who made it easy to follow along, and I’m now interested in learning more in the future,” said Mark Iñigo Tallara, a De La Salle University, Philippines, participant.

The Gamelan training was held in two sessions. The first session, starting at 10:00 AM WIB, included 16 participants playing the song “Lancaran Gugur Gunung,” while the second session at 1:30 PM WIB had over 20 participants playing “Suwe Ora Jamu”.

Due to the limited number of instruments, participants were divided into two sessions and took turns playing the available instruments.

Like Mark Tallara, most participants played gamelan for the first time. However, some had previous experience with gamelan and Javanese tembang.

They were members of gamelan groups and even served as gamelan instructors in their respective countries.

One participant who particularly stood out was Ilaria Meloni, an academic from La Sapienza University of Rome, Italy, who skillfully sang tembang accompanied by gamelan.

She studied gamelan and Javanese tembang at the Yogyakarta Arts Institute several years ago and actively engaged with this art form whenever possible.

“I still often play gamelan whenever I have the opportunity to visit Indonesia. I’m also pleased to see colleagues from various countries having the chance to learn gamelan. Although I was initially apprehensive because I didn’t know the instruments well, I enjoyed it after learning,” Meloni said.

Rona Utami, part of the organizing committee, said that one of the focuses of the AAS-in-Asia Conference is to provide an enjoyable experience during their time in Indonesia. 

“Most of them already know about Indonesia, so many were also interested in trying one of Indonesia’s traditional arts, gamelan,” she explained.

In addition to the gamelan workshop, Philosophy UGM hosted seminars on Javanese, Arabic, Chinese, and Korean calligraphy on Wednesday, Jul. 10, 2024, the second day of the AAS-in-Asia Conference. 

These workshops feature discussions and training sessions with calligraphy experts from various countries and are open to conference participants.

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The continent’s rapid ascent, exemplified by Southeast Asia’s political and economic rise, China’s Belt and Road Initiative, Japan’s automotive dominance, the K-pop phenomenon, and India’s IT revolution, underscores the critical need for knowledge production and dissemination that accurately reflects Asia’s global significance. 

This was emphasized by Professor Hyaeweol Choi, President of the Association for Asian Studies (AAS), during the AAS in Asia conference at Universitas Gadjah Mada on Tuesday, Jul. 9, 2024.

Professor Choi noted that the Asian diaspora in North and South America, Oceania, and Asia has become increasingly prominent. 

While Asia, Oceania, Africa, and Europe are crucial channels for global finance, art, education, and food, migrants from other continents also move to Asia, creating new dynamics. 

“When we discuss this phenomenon, Asia is not a homogeneous entity; it is always diverse, complex, and fluid,” she stated.

However, Asia also faces various challenges, including a democracy crisis, the effects of neoliberalism, advancements in digital technology that are both beneficial and problematic, including artificial intelligence, and an escalating environmental crisis.

These historical events require innovative approaches to shed new light on Asia and the world. Global Asia is not a singular and integrated approach but agile and open. 

“We want to explore interconnected ways in which Asia’s history, culture, and societies have shaped and been shaped by the world. This interconnectedness leads Asia into a productive dialogue with broader regional expertise and theoretical frameworks, such as modernity, colonialism, migration, the environment, and more. The concept of Global Asia values comparative perspectives,” she explained.

According to Professor Choi, linguistic diversity is essential in producing and disseminating knowledge about Asia. 

Language is critical in everything we do, yet not all languages are valued equally. Recognizing the value of linguistic diversity is vital in rethinking the global landscape of knowledge about Asia and the importance of scientific communication.

“In-depth knowledge of a place, its people, and its country has become a fundamental strength of future Asian studies. Based on this foundational strength, we are at a strategic point to promote innovative approaches that illuminate historical and contemporary interconnectedness and dynamic pluralism,” Professor Choi said.

Iriana FDJ Ximenes, a PhD student at Flinders University and a speaker on the panel about the Dynamics of Labor Migration in Southeast Asia, expressed her excitement about attending the AAS in Asia conference. 

She was particularly impressed by the traditional dance performed by Sastra Oebah at the opening ceremony. 

“I was thrilled. I was very impressed by the dance. This was my first time seeing such a beautiful traditional cultural dance. Many disciplines are represented, and I’m interested to see what the speakers will present,” Ximenes said.

Megan Hewitt, a representative from the American Institute for Indonesian Studies (AIFIS), one of the organizers of AAS in Asia along with UGM and AAS, stated that they highly recommend UGM as the first Asian university to host AAS due to its strong reputation.

“AIFIS strongly recommends UGM for its excellent reputation. Foreign academics are also very welcomed in Yogyakarta,” Hewitt said.

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