In a demonstration of support from the Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong (KJRI Hong Kong) and Universitas Terbuka (UT) Overseas Services, a graduation ceremony for UT graduates staying in Hong Kong was held. The event took place on July 7, 2024, at the Building of BNI Hong Kong. Nine graduates from various programs participated in the ceremony, including two from Management, one from Communication Studies, three from English Literature with a Translation Specialization, one from Law, one from Accounting, and one from Business Administration. The top graduates from Hong Kong graduation event are listed below:
1. Rita – English Literature (Translation) – GPA: 3.84
2. Sri Andayani – English Literature (Translation) – GPA: 3.82
3. Maya Febriyana – Management – GPA: 3.74
The graduation was attended in person by Indonesian Consul General for Hong Kong, Yul Edison; Educational and Cultural Attaché of the Indonesian Embassy in Beijing, China, Yudil Chatim; Information, Social, and Cultural Consul of KJRI Hong Kong, Endah Rachmi Yuliarti; and BNI Hong Kong General Manager, Farid Faraitody Sumarsono. The event was also attended online by UT’s Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, Cooperation, and Business, Rahmat Budiman, S.S., M.Hum., Ph.D., and Director of Universitas Terbuka Overseas Services, Dr. Pardamean Daulay, S.Sos., M.Si.
Vice Rector Rahmat Budiman emphasized the challenges of studying abroad, noting the extraordinary effort required due to the need for discipline and independent learning at UT. These aspects demand effective time management, focused attention, and unwavering motivation. Without enthusiasm, perseverance, and consistency, success at UT would be difficult to achieve.
Since its establishment in 1984, UT has been given three major mandates to address national issues. First, providing Equal Access to Higher Education to provide higher education opportunities to all Indonesians, especially those unable to attend conventional face-to-face universities. Second, providing opportunities for Working Individuals To offer education for those already employed, including Indonesian migrant workers abroad. Third, Providing accommodation for High School Graduates. With a growing number of high school graduates and limited capacity in traditional universities, UT’s distance learning model accommodates a large number of students without requiring on-campus attendance. Instead, UT reaches students wherever they are, both in Indonesia and abroad.
UT continuously enhances its use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Nowadays, MyUT application enables students to independently access both academic and non-academic services, including admissions, registration, distribution of digital learning materials, tutorials, practicals, and final exams, using their unique accounts and passwords. This service demonstrates UT’s commitment to integrating ICT in education, promoting self-confidence and readiness for change among students, especially those in Hong Kong.
Currently, UT has 5,665 overseas students, with 248 in Hong Kong. This number is relatively small compared to the total number of Indonesian migrant workers in Hong Kong. Therefore, graduates are encouraged to invite their peers to pursue education at UT.
