Yogyakarta, 21 February 2024 – Faculty of Biology UGM received a visit from Dr. Shukum Ruangchai as Assistant Dean for International Relations and Communication of Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University (KKU), Thailand. Located in the KPTU Faculty of Biology Meeting Room, Dr. Shukum was warmly welcomed by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs, Faculty of Biology UGM. Visit of Dr. Shukum is aims to initiating collaboration between Khon Kaen University and Universitas Gadjah Mada, especially the Faculty of Biology.
Dr. Eko as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs of the Faculty of Biology then gave an explanation regarding the profile of the Faculty of Biology and the potential for collaboration that could be implemented with the Faculty of Science KKU. He also mentioned the ongoing collaboration with other universities in Thailand, including Kasetsart University and Prince Sonkla University, through participation in the 2023 International Summer Course.
Dr. Shukum also introduced KKU, especially the Faculty of Science, which has bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs in biology, both regular and international classes. He also mentioned the lack of interest among Thai students in continuing their education to master’s and doctoral levels. It is felt that the potential for double degree collaboration for bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs that can be initiated with the Faculty of Biology UGM can attract the interest of students in Thailand and UGM students in Indonesia to continue their education. Dr. Shukum is also enthusiastic about being able to invite lecturers and students to participate in the International Summer Course at the Faculty of Biology.
It is hoped that the discussion and visit will be a good follow-up step in the collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the Faculty of Science Khon Kaen University Thailand. This collaboration also shows the Faculty of Biology’s commitment to expanding connections and collaboration with various partners to improve the quality of education, in line with its support for the Sustainable Development Goals for improving education and expanding cooperation (SDG 4 and 17).