Monday, 28 April 2025 — Universitas Mataram (Unram) hosted a “Discussion on Potential Collaboration with the Consulate General of China in Denpasar” at the Rector’s Meeting Room. The event was attended by distinguished representatives from both institutions.
Participants from Universitas Mataram included Prof. Bambang Hari Kusumo (Rector of Unram), Prof. Akmaluddin (Vice Rector for Planning, Cooperation, and Information Systems), Prof. Dahlanuddin (Head of the Office of International Affairs – KUI), Dr. Dewi Satria Elmiana (Secretary of KUI), apt. Mahacita Andanalusia, S.Farm., M.Farm. (Coordinator of KUI), as well as the Deans of various faculties. Delegates from Shangrao Normal University, China — Ms. Jiang Na and Ms. Ba Min — also participated in the meeting. From the Consulate General of China in Bali, Mr. Zhang Zhisheng (Consul General), Ms. Zhu Yu (Deputy Consul General), and Ms. Xu Lian (Director) attended the discussion.
The meeting aimed to explore the potential for expanding collaboration between Universitas Mataram and the Consulate General of China in Bali, focusing on education, research, investment, and regional development initiatives.
In his remarks, Prof. Bambang Hari Kusumo expressed his appreciation for the collaboration that has been built over the past three years, particularly through projects with Shangrao Normal University. He conveyed hopes to expand the partnership further to include more universities and outlined plans to initiate staff and faculty exchange programs, with Shangrao Normal University as a primary partner.
The Consul General of China, Mr. Zhang Zhisheng, highlighted the importance of the existing cooperation between China and West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), particularly in tourism and gold production sectors. He also expressed enthusiasm for expanding collaboration in education, including plans to establish a Mandarin Language Center (Confucius Institute) at Universitas Mataram.
Key educational and research programs discussed included:
• The implementation of a Mandarin Language curriculum within the Diploma III Tourism Program of the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) at Universitas Mataram, made possible through cooperation with Shangrao Normal University.
• Encouragement for faculty members involved in international collaborations to study Mandarin, further strengthening bilateral academic ties.
• Opportunities for short courses in China focused on enhancing technical skills for students and staff.
The discussion concluded with a mutual commitment to further strengthen academic, cultural, and research exchanges, paving the way for a broader and more impactful international collaboration.
