From Left to Right- FNU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, the Indonesian High Commissioner to Fiji, H.E Dupito D. Simamora, Universitas Negri Malang Rector, Professor Hariyono

The Fiji National University (FNU) is looking forward to strengthening collaborative ties between Fiji and Indonesia after the signing of a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Universitas Negri Malang (UM) from Indonesia.

Under this MOU, FNU and Universitas Negeri Malang commit to several areas of collaboration in academic and research activities.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Fiji, His Excellency, Dupito D. Simamora, who was also present at the notable MoU signing, gave his assurance his team will provide their full support to see that the key aspects of the MoU are implemented.

FNU Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba said the collaboration marked the beginning of a new chapter in FNU’s journey towards academic excellence, innovation, and internationalisation.

Representatives of the Senior Leadership Team from FNU and Universitas Negri Malang at the MoU Signing

“The importance of this collaboration cannot be overstated. Personally, as a Vice-Chancellor and a scholar, one of the things that we are undertaking now is visiting all our chiefs in our country. We will also visit all the heads of other communities in our country,” Professor Nabobo-Baba said.

“This is because I think in terms of our interconnected world, we are developing, redeveloping, and reaffirming partnerships with our local and international communities.

“In an increasingly interconnected world, partnerships between institutions of higher learning play a crucial role in driving innovation, fostering academic excellence, and addressing global challenges that affect us in our times,” she added.

These include but are not limited to the development of collaborative research projects, the organisation of joint academic activities such as courses, conferences, seminars, and symposia, the exchange of research, administrative, and teaching staff, the exchange of students, and the exchange of publications and other materials of common interest,” revealed Vice-Chancellor Nabobo-Baba.

The Vice-Chancellor stated that the MoU is particularly significant as it aligns perfectly with FNU’s commitment towards its strategic priorities.

The priority areas include “Educational Excellence & Students Affirming Experiences in TVET and Higher Education”, “Research, Innovation, Social, and Technological Development” and “Education for Employment and Internationalisation.”

Professor Nabobo-Baba emphasised the collaboration and academic activities the MOU brings, and it would pave the way forward for a deeper cultural exchange and understanding. She further stated that while we build universities, we must also build humanity.

The MoU signing with Universitas Negri Malang was one of the two MoUs FNU would sign with Indonesia as part of the Fiji-Indonesia Friendship Seminar and the establishment of the Fiji-Indonesia Friendship Association that will be held later this month.