As a ‘Muda Mendunia’ university, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) always attempts to enhance its educational quality to be a reputable university. Due to the commitment, UMY acted as the host of a public lecture by Governor of Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan Mr. Hitoshi Goto on Wednesday (21/12) at building of A.R. Fachruddin B of UMY. The public lecture aimed to reinforce bilateral relations between UMY and Yamanashi and to talk about education, tourism, and culture of Japan.
Vice Rector for Cooperation and International Affairs of UMY Prof. Dr. Achmad Nurmandi, M.Sc. stated that it was an honor to have Governor of Yamanashi Prefecture of Japan to discuss various fields, particularly higher education. “This occasion is a mean of sustainable cooperation in conducting a student and staff exchange and research. Students and lecturers possess essential roles in developing a university. To achieve a goal as a reputable university, UMY fosters cooperation with universities in Yamanashi of Japan. Later, university parties will encourage all departments to provide a course of the Japanese language in order that students can pursue their study and have a job in Japan,” declared Prof. Nurmandi.
Meanwhile, Mr. Hitoshi Goto thanked UMY and UMY students for welcoming him. “Indonesian and Japanese people should cooperate in fields of culture, education, and tourism. Only our governments have bilateral relations now so that the people should collaborate in an educational field and offering jobs. I recommend that all UMY students study not only in Indonesia but also overseas,” maintained Hitoshi.
He also inserted that young generations should possess specific abilities and actively innovate. “I recommend you several great universities in Yamanashi offering a six-month summer school program. We would like to discuss the program further with UMY parties so that the exchange program can be carried out. I personally believe that education is a vital aspect since it is an asset to get a better job and to be able to think wisely. Thus, you have to endeavor to broaden your horizon through studying aboard. Indeed, in Yamanashi people should have a certificate so that there is not any gap among employees,” he emphasized.
Furthermore, Hitoshi told that an agricultural field is now developed in Yamanashi. “Agriculture in Yamanashi has rapidly been fostered because 80 percent of the areas are forests. The agricultural products in Yamanashi are 23 percent of grapes, 31 percent of peaches, and 34 percent of plums. The fruit production is managed by Japanese farmers. Hence, students who are interested in conducting research on agriculture in Japan are welcomed,” he expressed.
