Writer: Duke Paopathon Pardede (2461001) | Editor: Ambarwulan, S.T.
Universitas Internasional Batam (UIB) welcomed a high-level delegation from Daegu Catholic University (DCU), South Korea, during an official visit held on Thursday, 4 December 2025, at the UIB Grand Center. This visit marked a significant milestone in reestablishing the long-standing partnership between the two institutions, which had been disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the resumption of in-person engagements, both universities reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening academic collaboration and exploring impactful future initiatives.
The delegation from DCU was led by Prof. Seong Han-gee, President of Daegu Catholic University, accompanied by O Sang-jik (Head Priest of DCU), Youn Jong-in (Head of the International Relations Office), Ji Shin-woo (Head of the International Exchange Team), Ham Jong-myung (Head of the International Student Services Team), and Azura, a graduate student serving as interpreter. Their presence underscored DCU’s earnest intention to revive and expand its cooperative relationship with UIB after years of limited interaction.
Representing UIB were top university leaders including Dr. Iskandar Itan (Rector of UIB), Dr. Meiliana (Vice Rector for Academic Affairs), and Dr. Hepy Hefri Ariyanto (Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Cooperation). The meeting was also attended by deans and heads of study programs from nearly all faculties at UIB, namely the Faculty of Education, Faculty of Computer Science, Faculty of Business and Management, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Tourism, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Architecture, and Faculty of Humanities. Their complete attendance demonstrated UIB’s readiness to pursue interdisciplinary collaboration with DCU.
During the session, DCU delivered a comprehensive presentation introducing the university’s academic strengths, international profile, and scholarship schemes available for international students across the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. The opportunities offered—ranging from research integration to fully funded postgraduate pathways—were received with great enthusiasm by UIB representatives. Study program heads actively raised inquiries related to potential collaboration suited to their academic fields, signaling an eagerness to develop mutually beneficial initiatives.
Meaningful discussions were held regarding the types of partnerships that can be implemented in the near future. Both universities explored possibilities for student exchange programs, faculty mobility, joint research, visiting professor schemes, dual-degree feasibility, and various academic development activities. Several UIB study program heads proposed the establishment of a 3+2 program with DCU, an idea that received positive consideration from the DCU delegation, who expressed openness to further assessment and planning.
The meeting carried emotional significance as well, symbolizing the revival of a collaboration that had once flourished but was halted due to unprecedented global circumstances. With DCU’s president visiting UIB in person, both institutions demonstrated a strong mutual desire to rebuild trust, reinforce academic synergy, and foster long-term cooperation that benefits students, faculty members, and both academic communities.
The event concluded with a ceremonial exchange of tokens between UIB and DCU, followed by group photos capturing the renewed spirit of partnership. This official visit serves as a pivotal step toward strengthening educational ties and expanding global engagement opportunities for future generations at both universities. UIB looks forward with optimism to the many academic collaborations and international initiatives that are expected to emerge from this revitalized partnership.
International Relation Office
Universitas Internasional Batam
