FK-KMK UGM. On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) hosted a courtesy visit from a delegation of the School of Public Health, Peking University. The visit, held at the Tahir Foundation Building, marked a pivotal step in exploring collaborative opportunities between the two institutions in public health education and research.
The delegation from Peking University included prominent figures such as Dr. Haijun Wang, Vice Dean of the School of Public Health and Director of the Department of Maternal and Child Health; Dr. Yangmu Huang, Deputy Director of the Department of Global Health; Dr. Hui Yin, Lecturer in Global Health; Dr. Yi Song, Director of the Institute of Child and Adolescent Health; and Dr. Yanhui Dong, Deputy Director of the same institute. Yinuo Sun, a PhD candidate in Public Health, also accompanied the team.
Dr. Haijun Wang emphasized the significance of cross-border partnerships in addressing global public health challenges affecting both China and Indonesia. “We aim to develop education through experiential learning that encourages our students and faculty to contribute to pressing public health issues, particularly those impacting the younger generation,” he said.
Highlighting the achievements of Peking University, Dr. Haijun outlined recent initiatives, including the establishment of the PKU Capital Institute for Health Development and the launch of the dual-degree program combining “Medicine Doctor and Master of Public Health” in 2024. These efforts demonstrate the university’s commitment to nurturing future talents and driving innovation in public health education.
With extensive international collaboration, Peking University has developed research bases in Malawi, Myanmar, and Georgia. Its participation in the China-Africa Friendship Award initiative underscores its dedication to fostering public health leadership globally. Additionally, the university has maintained a strong track record in publishing impactful research, with 711 papers released in 2024, supported by substantial funding of over 131 million yuan.
The Dean of FK-KMK UGM, Prof. dr. Yodi Mahendradhata, M.Sc., Ph.D., FRSPH, expressed optimism regarding the potential collaboration. “We see many shared interests and visions between the two institutions. Formalizing this partnership through an MoU will allow us to implement our initiatives more concretely,” he stated.
Prof. Yodi also highlighted the possibility of student and faculty exchange programs and regular public health symposiums. Complementing this, the Head of the Master of Public Health Program at FK-KMK UGM, Dr. Mubasysyir Hasanbasri, MA., emphasized the academic opportunities such partnerships could provide, including joint activities and innovations in public health education and research.
The visit also provided a platform for discussing innovative teaching methods and cutting-edge research initiatives. Topics ranged from building research platforms, such as the China-ASEAN Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Public Health, to recruiting young talents and developing interdisciplinary academic programs.
As institutions with a shared dedication to excellence in education and research, FK-KMK UGM and Peking University hope their collaboration will lead to sustainable solutions for public health challenges. This strategic partnership is expected to foster significant advancements in education, research, and innovation, benefiting not only Indonesia and China but the global community as well.
The collaboration aligns closely with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). These shared objectives underscore the commitment of both universities to making a lasting, positive impact on global health outcomes. (Isroq Adi Subakti/Reporter)
