Japan's Chiba University of Commerce (CUC) has shown interest in promoting collaboration with the University of Sumatera Utara (USU) through student and academic staff exchange programs lasting one semester. This initiative saw the visit of Takako Hashimoto, Director of CUC's International Center, to the USU campus in Medan City, North Sumatra, as reported on USU's official website accessible via ANTARA.
During her visit, Hashimoto met with Professor Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, USU's Deputy Rector for Research, Community Service, and Cooperation, where they engaged in discussions regarding the renewal of the MoU and opportunities for collaboration. Hashimoto expressed that the student exchange program would enable USU students to engage with Japanese and international peers at CUC, offering them insights into Japan's culture and economy.
The USU students, who later join the summer course and student exchange program, could also learn about Japan's subcultures, such as animation, through their interaction with their colleagues at CUC, she remarked. According to the USU website, she also highlighted the importance of USU as CUC's long-term partner as the two universities could continue their collaboration despite hurdles caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to her guest, Professor Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan revealed that as the first stage of implementing the two universities' MoU, USU plans to send two students this year to join CUC's summer course program. "We had signed an MoU with CUC last year. We will follow it up by firstly, sending our students to the university, and, in return, receiving CUC students to participate in our summer course program", she stated.
Hasibuan noted a shared vision between USU and CUC concerning the necessity of establishing an eco-friendly campus area. Both institutions also demonstrated mutual agreement regarding the importance of Times Higher Education (THE) Impact, which underscores the attainment of renewable energy targets within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Located in Ichikawa-shi, Chiba, CUC has a longstanding history in Japan's higher education. As depicted on its official website, CUC was developed from the Sugamo High School of Commerce in 1928. It then became a university in 1950. Since then, CUC has developed as one of Japan's reputable universities as reflected in departments, faculties, and graduate schools that it has developed over the past few decades.
