Providing PhD Opportunities for Lecturers, Universitas Kristen Maranatha and Monash University, Indonesia Sign MoU
From left to right: Professor Matthew Nicholson, President and Pro Vice-Chancellor of Monash University, Indonesia; Tantia Dian Permata Indah, COO and Vice-President (Operations and Enterprise) of Monash University, Indonesia; Prof. Ir. Sri Widiyantoro, M.Sc., Ph.D., Rector of Universitas Kristen Maranatha.
Bandung - Universitas Kristen Maranatha and Monash University, Indonesia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday, August 9, 2024, in the Integrity Room of the Central Administration Building. The MoU outlines plans for collaboration between Maranatha and Monash University, Indonesia across various programs, including opportunities for Maranatha lecturers and staff to pursue PhD studies at Monash University, Indonesia. Additionally, the two universities will implement cross-supervision arrangements to share supervision practices as part of Monash University's long-term vision development program.
The MoU signing was attended by representatives from Monash University, Indonesia, including Professor Matthew Nicholson, President and Pro Vice-Chancellor; Sofia Barata, Executive Assistant to the President; Tantia Dian Permata Indah, COO and Vice-President (Operations and Enterprise); and Suryo Danuwinto, Senior Manager of Marketing and Communication, along with their team.
Universitas Kristen Maranatha representatives present at the event included Prof. Ir. Sri Widiyantoro, M.Sc., Ph.D., Rector; Ir. Olga Catherina Pattiwaej, M.S., Ph.D., Vice Rector for Resources; Antonius Budi Wibowo, S.S., M.Hum., M.A., Director of Partnerships; Agung Tyastuti Dinar Kartika Sari Hartono Yunior, S.H., Head of Institutional and Corporate Relations, and staff; Dr. dr. Diana Krisanti Jasaputra, M.Kes., Dean of the Faculty of Medicine; Oscar Karnalim, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Technology and Intelligent Engineering, and team; Septerianie Sutandi, B.A., M.TCSOL., Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and Research, Faculty of Humanities and Creative Industries; and Christian Andersen, S.H., M.Kn., Vice Dean for Innovation.
Prof. Ir. Sri Widiyantoro, M.Sc., Ph.D. delivering his opening remarks
In his opening remarks, Prof. Ir. Sri Widiyantoro, M.Sc., Ph.D., positively welcomed the collaboration between Universitas Kristen Maranatha and Monash University, Indonesia. He said, "We are happy to have signed the MoU with Monash University, Indonesia and we hope that our MoU can be followed up by real collaborations such as join supervision and join research. And we plan to send some of our staff members to conduct PhD at Monash University, Indonesia."
In addition, Professor Matthew Nicholson stated that Monash University, Indonesia is committed to contributing to solving complex global issues such as climate change, cybersecurity, and the development and maintenance of sustainable communities. He emphasised that this effort cannot be undertaken by Monash University, Indonesia alone.
Professor Matthew Nicholson delivering his speech
"Our university's goal is to continually advance in developing human resources and addressing the major challenges faced by Indonesia and the world. Universities grow through partnerships and collaborations, which is why we are signing this agreement today, and we will achieve our goals together," said Professor Matthew.
The event continued with a discussion session. During this session, Ir. Olga noted that out of 400 lecturers at Maranatha, 140 already hold doctoral degrees, and 80 others are currently pursuing doctoral studies. She expressed her enthusiasm for the possibility of Maranatha lecturers and staff continuing their PhD studies at Monash University. Ir. Olga also mentioned that some Maranatha academics pursuing PhD studies abroad have had to take teaching leave due to significant time differences and distances from campus.
In response, Professor Matthew explained that Monash Indonesia was established for the Indonesian community, allowing students and academics who wish to pursue PhD studies to attend an international-standard university without having to go abroad, at a more affordable cost while still being able to teach.