On Monday, December 9, 2024, the Faculty of Public Health (FPH) at the Universitas Indonesia (UI) welcomed a delegation from Peking University, one of China’s leading universities. The purpose of this visit was to explore potential collaborations in the area of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, which includes education, research, and community service.
The six-member delegation from Peking University was led by Dr. Haijun Wang, Professor, Director of the Department of Maternal and Child Health, and Vice Dean of the School of Public Health at Peking University. They were welcomed by the Dean of FPH UI, Prof. dr. Mondastri Korib Sudaryo, M.S., D.Sc., along with other faculty leaders. During the meeting, both parties discussed potential collaborations in public health education, global health research, and community service programs that could mutually support and strengthen the two institutions.
The visit, aimed at expanding the academic network between FPH UI and Peking University, particularly in the development of public health education and research, took place at the PA209 Meeting Room, RIK UI. The two universities agreed to explore the possibility of implementing student exchange programs, joint research initiatives, as well as hosting international seminars and conferences involving academics from both institutions.
One of the main topics discussed was the importance of collaboration in global health research, especially in addressing increasingly complex health challenges, such as infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, climate change impacts on public health, and issues related to stunting. Additionally, both parties also highlighted the importance of capacity building through advanced education programs aimed at enhancing the skills of students and professionals in the field of public health.
FPH UI Dean, Prof. Mondastri, expressed hope that this collaboration could bring significant benefits to both universities, particularly in the development of research that is relevant to global health issues. “Cross-border collaboration to find solutions to global health problems, which require collective efforts from various parties, is essential. We are very proud to collaborate with one of the top universities in China, Peking University, to find solutions to various health challenges we face,” said Prof. Mondastri.
Meanwhile, Dr. Haijun Wang expressed enthusiasm about the potential collaboration between the two institutions. He believes that by combining the strengths and expertise of FPH UI and Peking University, both universities can make a significant contribution to advancing public health in their respective countries.
As a follow-up to this visit, both parties agreed to prepare a concrete collaboration plan to be initiated as soon as possible.
This visit marks an important milestone for FPH UI in expanding its international network, which can positively impact the development of scientific knowledge and the improvement of public health education in Indonesia. Through the collaboration between FPH UI and Peking University, it is hoped that more opportunities will arise for both parties to increase their contributions to the advancement of global public health knowledge.
Through this collaboration, FPH UI strengthens its position as an active institution in global public health development, while also expanding the international perspectives of its students and academics. (wrk)