South Tangerang, May 6, 2025 – Universitas Terbuka (UT), through ICE Institute, has once again expanded its international collaboration in presenting digital learning innovations. This time, UT has partnered with Chung Ang University, South Korea, in a strategic collaboration for the development of academic and scientific activities. This includes cooperation to improve the quality of online education content and learner support services, as well as exploring other technical cooperation opportunities to enhance the online learning environment.
Prof. Wi Jong Hyun, Dean of the Virtual Convergence College, Chung Ang University, South Korea, attended the official visit to UT. Representatives from UT included leaders from all faculties: the Dean of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Social Sciences and Political Sciences, the Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business, the Head of the Public Relations and Marketing Sub-directorate at DPKS, the Head of the Cooperation and International Affairs Sub-directorate at DPKS, the Expert Staff for Business Innovation and Investment, and the Expert Staff for Marketing Cooperation and Public Relations. Also present was Prof. Dr. Paulina Pannen, M.Ls., along with a team from UPPDJI/ICE Institute who presented the development of online learning technology that has been initiated.
In a dynamic discussion between the UT Deans and Prof. Wi Jing Hyun, both parties agreed to develop Virtual Convergence Learning based on microcredentials and AI, in response to the needs of future learning that is cross-disciplinary and technology-based.
The cooperation was formalized through the signing of a Cooperation Agreement (PKS) held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in the Rasamala Meeting Room, Wisma II UT. During the signing, UT was represented by Dr. Vivi Indra Amelia Nst, S.I.P., M.A., Partnership and Certification Development Manager at the Unit for the Development of Online Learning in Indonesia (UPPDJI), representing the Director of ICE Institute/UPPDJI, Dra. Rahayu Dwi Riyanti, M.A.
“This collaboration is not just an international network, but also strengthens the digital education model, expanding UT’s global access to quality education, especially through ICE Institute,” said Dr. Vivi Indra Amelia Nst.
Prof. Wi Jong Hyun from Chung Ang University also expressed optimism about this cooperation:
“We hope this memorandum of understanding will not only be a document but also a foundation for real innovation in the development of online learning that benefits education in each institution,” said Prof. Wi Jong Hyun from Chung Ang University.
The Dean of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), Prof. Dr. Ucu Rahayu, M.Sc., added that further collaboration is needed between UT through ICE Institute and Chung Ang University, especially in lecturer training, joint research, and comparative studies, to improve UT’s human resource capacity in the digital era.
Prof. Paulina Pannen also conveyed the importance of synergy in the development of digital content in teaching and learning, as well as strengthening technology-based distance learning models.
The event concluded with the presentation of souvenirs to Prof. Wi Jong Hyun as a symbol of the close commitment between the universities in promoting educational innovation.
The signing of this PKS is a strategic step for UT and ICE Institute to lead the transformation of digital education in Indonesia and Asia, particularly in distance learning.
