Universitas Pembangunan Jaya (UPJ) Welcomes Official Visit from Jeonbuk National University, Discussing Potential Academic Collaboration

Bintaro, South Tangerang 03/02/2025 - Universitas Pembangunan Jaya (UPJ) recently had the pleasure of hosting an official visit from Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) from South Korea to fortify the academic cooperation established between the two institutions. This landmark visit marked the first face-to-face meeting following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The event, held on the UPJ campus, was graced by the presence of JBNU's President, O-Bong Yang, along with a distinguished delegation comprising the Vice President of International Affairs, Hwa Rim Cho, Vice President for Student Affairs, Jong Suk Kim, and representatives from the Office of International Affairs, HyoJae Lee and Wonkeun Kim. From UPJ, the warm welcome was extended by the UPJ Rector, Ir. Yudi Samyudia, Ph.D., who was accompanied by Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Ir. Agustinus Agus Setiawan, S.T., M.T., IPM, and Vice Rector for Operations and Partnerships, Elisabeth Rukmini, Ph.D. The gathering also saw the participation of several deans, lecturers, and university officials.

During the meeting, JBNU expressed their eagerness to enhance study opportunities for international students, including those from UPJ. One of the key plans discussed was a student mobility program aiming to enable 15-20 UPJ students to study at JBNU. "We see great potential in student exchange with UPJ. It's not just about academics but also building cultural understanding between countries," remarked O-Bong Yang, President of JBNU.

Moreover, JBNU introduced an array of scholarships offering up to a 100% tuition fee discount for outstanding students. "We have a highly competitive scholarship scheme, and we hope UPJ students can leverage it to broaden their global perspectives," said Hwa Rim Cho, Vice President of International Affairs at JBNU.

Another highlight was the introduction of a two-week cultural immersion program in Korea, aptly named The Feeling Korea, designed to provide students with an enriched experience of Korean culture and academia. "This program offers a deeper dive into Korea, both academically and socially," explained Jong Suk Kim, Vice President for Student Affairs of JBNU.

UPJ Rector, Ir. Yudi Samyudia, Ph.D., responded enthusiastically to the collaboration proposal, emphasizing UPJ's readiness to support initiatives that benefit students. "We are very enthusiastic about this collaboration opportunity. This meeting is the first step towards broadening our students' academic horizons and international experiences," he noted.

As a follow-up, both institutions committed to organizing a subsequent meeting to discuss the detailed implementation of the student exchange program and other cooperative endeavors. "We will design the best strategies to ensure this collaboration operates optimally and brings tangible benefits to both parties," stated Elisabeth Rukmini, Ph.D., Vice Rector for Operations and Partnerships.

With this visit, UPJ underscored its role as a globally oriented university, expanding access for students to obtain a high-quality international academic experience.