On October 15, the Opening Ceremony of Zheng He College was held at Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES). This event marks a pivotal step in enhancing cooperation and academic exchange between our nations. Aligned with the “Belt and Road” initiative, this partnership provides UNNES students with invaluable international education experiences, broadening their academic horizons through meaningful cross-border collaboration. We were honoured to have Miss Loo Hui Ann, our founder of ITEA and Managing Director of ICCCM, in attendance, underscoring ITEA’s commitment to fostering these essential connections.
The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including Ms. Wang Zhi Feng, Director of Jiangsu Vocational Institute of Commerce (JVIC); Prof. Dr. Nur Qudus, MT, IPM, Vice Rector for Cooperation, Business, and International Relations of UNNES; Mr. Yayat Hendrayana, Head of Cooperation and Public Relations at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia; and Dr. Bhimo Andhoko, Head of LLDIKTI Region VI Central Java. Representatives from both institutions and various other esteemed guests were also present.
The agenda commenced with the national anthems of both countries, followed by a traditional performance from UNNES students and a choir from JVIC, featuring the song “Jasmine Flower.” This lively performance set a celebratory tone for the event, showcasing the rich cultural heritage that both institutions bring to this partnership.
Following the performances, speeches were delivered by key figures in attendance. Prof. Dr. Nur Qudus emphasised the significance of international collaboration in education and expressed excitement about the opportunities that the partnership with Zhenghe College will create for UNNES students. Ms. Wang Zhi Feng spoke about the shared values of both institutions and the importance of fostering a community of learning that transcends borders. Additionally, representatives from both institutions shared heartfelt messages about the importance of friendship and understanding between cultures.
As a token of appreciation, honoraria and thank-you gifts were presented to both parties, symbolising the commitment to a fruitful partnership. The event continued with a captivating WuShu performance by JVIC students, which showcased their dedication to preserving traditional arts, followed by engaging lecturer-student communication activities that fostered dialogue and collaboration.
This ceremony represents a significant milestone in our collaborative efforts and lays the groundwork for future educational exchanges, ensuring that both institutions contribute to a brighter, more interconnected future. At ITEA, we are eager to facilitate connections between the two nations, reflecting our commitment to nurturing partnerships that enhance educational opportunities and promote cultural exchange.
