14 May 2024
In a significant stride towards international collaboration in higher education, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has inked a pioneering agreement with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia (MoERCT). This agreement marks HKUST as the first university in Hong Kong to embark on a journey to cultivate outstanding Indonesian undergraduates under the Indonesia Education Scholarship for Degree Program, in collaboration with MoERCT.
The partnership will see the integration of 12 top Indonesian undergraduate students into HKUST’s academic fabric in the upcoming academic year. Selected through a rigorous screening process, these students will benefit from a full scholarship provided by MoERCT, encompassing tuition fees, living expenses, and additional allowances throughout the duration of their academic pursuits at HKUST.
Commenting on the landmark collaboration, HKUST Provost, Prof Guo Yike, emphasised the institution’s commitment to fostering global connections, particularly within the Belt and Road regions. He articulated, “Building on our successful endeavours in European countries, India, the UAE, and Vietnam, this collaboration will not only attract more aspiring Indonesian students but also promote diversity and the generation of new ideas on our international campus. It will certainly advance Hong Kong’s development as an international hub for higher education.”
Mrs. Suharti, Secretary General of MoERCT, echoed this sentiment, lauding the transformative potential of the Indonesian Education Scholarship for Degree program. “The Indonesian Education Scholarship for Degree is a program that offers opportunity to the best Indonesian students to study at the best universities in the world,” she stated. “We believe that by studying at HKUST – one of the best universities in Hong Kong, our awardees would be able to develop and enhance their personal, academic, and social competencies to the fullest extent possible as the University offers ample opportunities for their students to gain practical experience through hands-on research and internships.”
Currently, HKUST boasts a thriving Indonesian student community, with more than 160 Indonesian students enrolled in its undergraduate programs, positioning them amongst the top three international student cohorts at the university. To further fortify this relationship and attract outstanding Indonesian talent, HKUST conducted a series of recruitment talks and school visits in key Indonesian cities such as Jakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya. These engagements aimed to provide Indonesian students with comprehensive information regarding admissions, programs, and scholarships, enhancing accessibility and fostering a conducive environment for academic excellence.
