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Bilateral exchange across continents

Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) is one of the three largest universities in Indonesia, with almost 50,000 students. The institution maintains partnerships with 88 other universities and colleges around the world. More than 20 of these are in Australia and a good 50 in Japan, due to their geographical proximity. Since last week, the TH OWL has also been part of this illustrious circle.

Apart from their size, the TH OWL and the UNHAS have a lot in common, in addition to a snazzy abbreviation. Both have several campuses and study locations, and even the main buildings are not dissimilar.

Professor Dr. Uta Pottgiesser, TH-OWL Vice President for Culture, Communication and Internationalization, warmly welcomed the seven-member delegation from the city of Makassar on the island of Sulawesi, 11,850 kilometers away, to Lemgo. She had got to know the university on a business trip in February.

Together with Professor Dr. Adi Maulana, UNHAS Vice-Rector for Cooperation, Entrepreneurship, Research and Innovation, Professor Pottgiesser signed a so-called Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This declaration of intent creates the framework for a deeper cooperation between the two institutions.

“Hasanuddin University is an ideal partner for the development of a strategic partnership. Cooperation is possible in the bachelor's and master's degree programs, in research, and in doctoral studies,” explained Professor Pottgiesser.

This agreement opens up the opportunity for both institutions to formulate common goals and to further expand scientific cooperation.

The Indonesian delegation included Professor Dr. Adi Maulana, UNHAS Vice Rector for Cooperation, Entrepreneurship, Research and Innovation, Professor Abdul Rahman Kadir, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Management, Professor Kartini and Dr. Andi Aswan, both lecturers at the Faculty of Economics and Entrepreneurship, Professor Kartini, Dr. Andi Aswan, both lecturers at the Faculty of Business

The TH-OWL Vice President presents the university, its vision and strategies for international networking. One focus is on the English-language bachelor's and master's degree programs. These programs combine technical expertise with intercultural skills and integrate intensive language teaching.

International students are thus given the opportunity to learn German and to better integrate into academic and social life in Germany. “There is great interest in double-degree programs in the fields of engineering, life sciences and economics. Many Indonesian students want to gain experience abroad in Germany and appreciate the practical training at TH OWL,” explained Professor Pottgiesser.

During this transcontinental visit, the Indonesian delegation presented a video about Hasanuddin University, one of the most prestigious comprehensive universities in Indonesia, with 17 faculties at six campus locations in Sulawesi.

“We are here to find ways to connect our students, staff and researchers with TH OWL through exchange programs. We are particularly impressed by the strong links between science and practice that your university has established through close cooperation with industry,” emphasized Professor Adi Maulana.

Together with Dean Professor Dr. Thomas Gassenmeier, Vice Dean Professor Dr. Rainer Rasche and Program Coordinator Pedro Rodrigues, the delegation also visited the new laboratory building of the Life Science Technologies department on the Innovation Campus Lemgo, where they were given insights into current research projects by Professor Dr. Björn Frahm. The guests also had the opportunity to get to know the innovative facilities of the Future Food Factory OWL – an outstanding example of the university's practice-oriented research.

The signed declaration reflects not only the desire to expand academic exchange, but also the intention of intensive cooperation in strategically relevant areas. In particular, the focus is on promoting student exchange programs and research partnerships between the two universities.

For the TH OWL, this cooperation is a further step in the implementation of its internationalization strategy and a valuable opportunity to establish a presence in South-East Asia. The university is committed to creating all the necessary conditions to successfully implement the planned exchange for both students and academic staff.