Monday, 17 February 2025
From February 16 to 18, 2025, a high-level meeting took place between representatives from Indonesia, Australia, and Penang, Malaysia. The discussions were led by Penang Deputy Chief Minister II, Hon. Jagdeep Singh Deo, and focused on fostering collaboration in the fields of education and technology. This meeting marked a significant step towards strengthening partnerships across these regions, aiming to drive innovation, knowledge-sharing, and economic growth. Key stakeholders from government, academia, and the private sector engaged in productive dialogue, exploring opportunities to integrate resources and expertise for mutual benefit.
The discussions revolved around creating impactful programs that would enhance educational exchanges, research initiatives, and technological advancements. With Indonesia and Australia being two major players in the Southeast Asian and Pacific regions, their cooperation with Penang—an emerging technological hub—presents vast potential for joint ventures in academia and industry. The participants examined ways to facilitate student and faculty mobility, joint research projects, and the establishment of technology-driven learning platforms. Such initiatives would not only benefit the education sector but also contribute to workforce development, ensuring that graduates possess the necessary skills for an evolving global economy.
Furthermore, technological collaboration was at the forefront of the agenda, with a strong emphasis on digital transformation, smart city solutions, and sustainable innovations. The meeting underscored the importance of leveraging each region’s strengths—Indonesia’s growing digital economy, Australia’s research capabilities, and Penang’s thriving tech industry. By integrating these assets, the collaboration aims to develop cutting-edge solutions that address contemporary challenges in education, urban planning, and industry automation. The participants also recognized the significance of policy alignment and investment incentives to support long-term cooperation and innovation-driven growth. Additionally, Dr. Mirsa Umiyati, M.Hum, Founder and CEO of Bali Business School, was given time to deliver a speech on developing business and tourism in line with education. Her insights emphasized the role of entrepreneurial education in fostering sustainable economic growth and enhancing the tourism sector through strategic academic initiatives.
Looking ahead, the delegation plans to return to Penang in March 2025 to further solidify these discussions into actionable projects. The upcoming visit will focus on formalizing agreements, launching pilot programs, and engaging with more stakeholders to ensure the success of this international partnership. This collaboration is expected to pave the way for a future where education and technology seamlessly intersect, fostering progress and sustainable development across Indonesia, Australia, Penang, and Bali Business School. As the dialogue continues, all parties remain committed to building a shared vision that will drive impactful change in the region.
