Universitas Hasanuddin (Unhas) is involved in the Higher Education Partnership Initiative (HEPI), a collaborative project between Indonesia and the United States in the field of education. As a first step, a meeting was held to discuss project implementation. The activity took place virtually through the zoom meeting application on Friday (08/07).
The meeting was attended by the Rector of Unhas (Prof. Dr. Ir. Jamaluddin Jompa, M.Sc) and the team involved, the Rector of the Sepuluh November Institute of Technology (ITS), the Rector of Binus, and the HEPI Project team, Mr. Jeffrey S. Goss (Associate Vice Provost, Southeast Asia Initiatives Arizone State University) and Dr. Kathy Wigal (HEPI Project Director).
Prof. JJ expressed his gratitude and high appreciation for the trust to be involved in university development projects in various sectors. According to him, this project will provide many benefits in efforts to improve the quality of higher education institutions.
“In general, Unhas is committed to actively supporting the implementation of the HEPI Project. With the resources owned by Unhas, we are sure and believe we can provide the best, “explained Prof. JJ.
Mr. Jeffrey S.Goss (Associate Vice Provost, Southeast Asia Initiatives Arizone State University) provides a general explanation of the HEPI Project. He said this project involves many sectors not only universities. However, also the government and other strategic partners.
Furthermore, Jeffrey said the HEPI Project is a sustainable partnership program between the United States, Indonesian higher education institutions, and the private sector as an effort to improve student skills and competencies through high-quality, internationally recognized degrees and industry credentials.
“We continue to adjust to the Indonesian government’s strategic priority programs. Our focus on accreditation as an organizing framework and sustainable motivator is in line with HEPI’s core vision of providing concrete targets for international program standards,” explained Jeffrey.
The partner universities of the HEPI Project are expected to build public-private partnerships to create collaboration between the US and Indonesia. Equip students with critical skills and competencies, including technical skills, and active and experiential learning through internationally recognized high-quality degrees and industry credentials.
Unhas has been trusted to be part of the Higher Education Partnership Initiative (HEPI) facilitated by USAID and Arizona State University (ASU), United States. Unhas together with the Sepuluh November Institute of Technology (ITS) and Bina Nusantara University (BINUS) were selected through an assessment process by ASU, which then received funding approval from USAID.
During the meeting, several important agendas were discussed including the draft MoU that will be made as well as several other strategic agendas that can be carried out by Indonesian partner universities.
Kumara Tungga Dewa, S.S.
Editor : Ishaq Rahman, AMIPR
