SUARAMERDEKA-NTT.COM – A group of PhD students from Ciputra University visited the Indonesian Embassy in Manila, Metro Manila, on Friday, April 25, 2025.

 

The group of PhD students was accompanied by the Vice Rector of Ciputra University, Professor Christina Whidya Utami, and their supervisor, Dr Liliana Dewi.

Bobby Lianto, Chairman of the NTT Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), also attended the group, which included 17 people in Manila.

During the visit, the group was received by the Education and Cultural Attaché of the Indonesian Embassy in Manila, Prof. Nina Yulianti, S.P., M.Si., PhD. He was also accompanied by the bilateral staff coordinator for education and culture, Mr Anugrah Pangestu, and his team.

During the meeting, the Education and Culture Attaché welcomed and supported the collaboration between Ciputra University (UC) and the University of the East (UE).

Professor Whidya Utami explained the program implemented by the two universities.

She explained that the program is called the “Sandwich Program,” a program that allows students to spend part of their time studying at another university abroad.

Through this program, scheduled for three days from April 24-26, Ciputra University students will attend several classes with renowned speakers in their fields, divided into two batches, totalling 30 students.

Each student attending will be provided with broad insights, particularly global perspectives and experiences abroad.

Strikingly, the doctoral students attending this group in the Philippines are generally practitioners and professionals already active in the professional world and academia.

The Chairman of the NTT Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN NTT), who is also a successful entrepreneur in Kupang City, greatly appreciates this opportunity to study abroad.

On the first day, each class will cover topics such as “Globalisation and Digital Platforms, Blockchain Power, Business Intelligence, and Multi-Challenge and Omnichannel Strategy in Marketing Communication Research.”

On the second day, topics will be covered such as “Culture and Contextual Diversity, Business and Government Relations, and Business, Culture, Heritage, and Art.”

On the third day, the international research conference “UE Kamaynilaan” will be held, featuring Hety Ketrin Elfong, Under Secretary of the Department of Finance, as the keynote speaker.

Through this, the Chairman of the NTT Chamber of Commerce and Industry hopes this collaboration will continue and become a platform for sustainable international cooperation.

“The Indonesian Embassy welcomes and supports this collaboration, and hopefully, it can continue well,” he said.

Bobby also conveyed at the summit: The signing ceremony marked the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two universities.

The MoU signing was also attended by UE President & Chief Academic Officer, Dr Zosino M. Battad, Chancellor Lovie Divingraci, and Dean Dr Alberto T. Paala Jr., along with students from various countries.

The signing of the MoU was witnessed by the Indonesian Embassy in Manila, which represents an opportunity for collaboration for the advancement of sustainable education.