Writer: Duke Paopathon Pardede (2461001) | Editor: Ambarwulan, S.T.
Universitas Internasional Batam (UIB) welcomed an official visit from the Taiwan Education Center (TEC) Indonesia on Monday, 1 December 2025, at the Grand Center, Building A, UIB. The meeting, conducted under the agenda “Visiting from Taiwan Education Center 2025,” marked a significant milestone in UIB’s efforts to strengthen its international network, expand academic mobility opportunities, and explore deeper collaboration with higher education institutions in Taiwan. Representing TEC was M. Bima Aoron Hafiz, Manager at Taiwan Education Center Indonesia, Yogyakarta Regional Office, who conveyed great enthusiasm for establishing long-term cooperation with UIB.
From the UIB side, the session was attended by a strong lineup of institutional leaders, including Dr. Hepy Hefri Ariyanto, Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Cooperation; Theodesia Lady Pratiwi, S.Pd., M.Hum., Head of the International Relations Office (IRO); Tony Wibowo, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Computer Science; Dr. Pandu Prasodjo, Dean of the Faculty of Education; Dr. Dewi Khordina, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Management; Dr. Ratih Anggraini, Head of the Tourism Study Program; Yefta Christian, S.Kom., M.Kom., Head of the Information Systems Study Program; Haeruddin, S.Kom., MMSI, Head of the Information Technology Study Program; Leil Badrah Zaki, S.Pd., M.Pd., Head of the English Language Education Study Program; Khoirul Anwar, S.Si., M.Si., Head of the Biology Study Program; and Stivani Ayuning Suwarlan, Ph.D., Head of the Architecture Study Program. Their presence represented nearly all academic faculties at UIB, demonstrating the university’s strong institutional commitment to international expansion.
Throughout the meeting, the representative from TEC introduced a wide range of academic opportunities available for Indonesian students, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree pathways, scholarship schemes, language and cultural exchange programs, and cooperation opportunities with universities in Taiwan. The presentation revealed just how extensive and diverse Taiwan’s higher education offerings are, capturing the attention of all deans and study program heads in attendance. Each department expressed active interest in potential collaborations, asking specific questions related to academic suitability, program relevance, and pathways for their respective students.
The discussion unfolded in a warm and highly interactive manner, with many unexpected opportunities emerging from TEC’s presentation. TEC expressed strong interest in supporting UIB not only in accessing scholarship programs, but also in opening doors to new institutional partnerships with universities across Taiwan. This included possibilities for student exchanges, summer and winter programs, joint seminars, internship placements, collaborative research, and long-term academic development initiatives. The lively exchange of perspectives reflected a shared vision between UIB and TEC in providing broader global exposure for students and faculty members.
UIB also presented its academic profile, highlighting its faculties, international programs, accreditation achievements, and commitment to the 100% Global Exposure initiative. TEC praised UIB’s rapid development and internationalization efforts, affirming that UIB is well-positioned to collaborate with higher education institutions in Taiwan. TEC further emphasized its readiness to assist UIB in connecting with suitable Taiwanese universities based on academic disciplines, strategic interests, and future mobility programs.
The meeting concluded with both institutions agreeing to begin drafting follow-up plans that may lead to formal cooperation agreements such as MoUs or MoAs. These plans include arranging joint academic activities, hosting info sessions on studying in Taiwan, preparing collaboration proposals, and identifying departments that can pilot early-stage exchange or academic activities. The warm and productive discussion reflected a mutual commitment to building a sustainable partnership that will benefit students, faculty members, and both institutions in the long term.
This visit marks a promising starting point for UIB’s deeper engagement with Taiwan’s higher education ecosystem. Through this collaboration, UIB is expected to gain wider academic access for its students and faculty members, stronger institutional partnerships, and expanded international mobility opportunities. The International Relations Office (IRO) will continue coordinating the next steps to ensure that this partnership develops into concrete programs aligned with UIB’s internationalization vision.
International Relation Office
Universitas Internasional Batam
