Beijing - Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Yogyakarta State University, Dr. Ir. Widarto, M.Pd. carried out a series of tours in Beijing in order to pioneer a cooperation (2019/09/27-29). This short visit was filled with various agendas that began with a study visit at Beijing Aeronautics and Astraunautics (BUAA). The results of discussions with BUAA produced various inputs for Yogyakarta State University, especially related to the learning process, laboratory facilities, and various other learning support facilities.

After visiting BUAA, Widarto held a discussion with the Education and Culture Attache in Beijing regarding the development of vocational schools in China and the development of science, knowledge and technology, and economic progress in the country.

"Through this forum we also get a clear picture related to the implementation of education starting from Undergraduate and Postgraduate programs," he explained.

"The Indonesian Embassy in Beijing is also very open to implementing various academic cooperation programs with a focus on further study programs, " added the Dean of FT UNY

Next, he held a meeting with Beijing University Chemical of Technology (BUCT). In the discussion, there were several agreements including the implementation of student exchange programs, summer camps, CSC scholarships for lecturers who will study in Doctoral degree, cooperation opportunities for visiting researchers, joint publications, and double degree programs.

"In order to implement this collaboration, Memorandum of Understanding will soon be realized with them," he added.

Furthermore, the Dean of FT UNY also received an invitation as the guest of honor in the "Assalamu'alaikum Beijing" program initiated by the Beijing Study Circle (All Muslims in Beijing).

"The casual discussion about Muslim life in Beijing became the main theme of the discussion where there were at least 73 mosques scattered throughout the districts in Beijing so that Muslims could carry out their worship calmly, and it was never difficult to find halal food," he said. (Steven)