Indonesia and UAE Strengthen Collaboration in Digital Talent and Higher Education
Jakarta – The Indonesian Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology is bolstering international partnerships with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with a key focus on developing digital skills, increasing academic exchange, and fostering joint research initiatives. The collaboration was discussed during a meeting between ministry officials and representatives from the UAE Embassy, led by Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Stella Christie.
Expanding International Student Presence
Deputy Minister Christie emphasized the importance of attracting more international students to Indonesia, stating that a diverse student body enhances the reputation and global ranking of Indonesian universities . She believes that international students contribute to a more dynamic and internationally-minded learning environment, prompting institutions to continuously improve their educational offerings.
To facilitate this, the ministry is developing a Center for Foreign Students, designed to increase the appeal of Indonesian universities and create a more integrated internationalization ecosystem for higher education.
UAE Student Visits and Educational Exchange
Plans are underway for visits by UAE students to Indonesia, allowing them to experience the Indonesian higher education system firsthand, learn about the country’s culture, and explore further study opportunities. This exchange program aims to strengthen educational ties and promote cross-cultural understanding.
Collaboration on Digital Talent Development
The meeting also addressed potential collaboration in digital talent development, specifically through the UAE’s “10 Million Coders” program. This initiative seeks to equip young people with skills in artificial intelligence (AI) and coding, supporting the UAE’s digital transformation and the development of a knowledge-based economy .
Government Commitment to Higher Education
Stella Christie, who also serves as a professor at Tsinghua University in Beijing and as a Science and Education Advisor to the Indonesian Government , recently visited Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta to discuss strengthening synergy between higher education institutions and the government . She applauded UNS’s innovations and research, emphasizing the importance of translating research into benefits for the wider community.
Christie has been actively working to eliminate the stigma associated with vocational education, aligning with President Prabowo Subianto’s directives to prioritize job creation, productivity, and the development of applied sciences .
This collaboration between Indonesia and the UAE signifies a commitment to strengthening educational ties and fostering innovation in both countries.