Universitas Trisakti has once again demonstrated its commitment to strengthening international research collaboration by participating in the UNIIC Africa-Asia Roundtable Discussion 2025, held on February 12–13, 2025, at the Tfokomala Hotel and Conference Centre, University of Mpumalanga (UMP), South Africa. The event was attended by 100 delegates representing 43 universities and organizations from 11 countries. This forum is a key activity of the University Incubator and Innovation Consortium (UNIIC), a collaborative consortium initiated by Asia Pacific University (APU) Malaysia, together with Universitas Trisakti and various partner universities from the Asian and African regions. As a co-initiator of the consortium, Universitas Trisakti plays a pivotal role in shaping policy direction and cross-border cooperation strategies in the fields of research, entrepreneurship, and technology development.

Universitas Trisakti was represented at the event by its Rector, Vice-Rector I, and the Head of the Business Incubator Development Center. Their presence reflects Trisakti’s strategic position as a key driver of the consortium and as an Indonesian representative in a forum dedicated to strengthening innovation ecosystems within the Global South. The forum featured panel sessions addressing the importance of cooperation between African and Asian universities in navigating challenges related to cultural, economic, and regional policy differences. Discussions also covered collaborative research models and funding strategies, the development of cross-border policies to foster scientific and technological advancement, and the design of an AI-based matchmaking platform for research partners and startups.

The highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) among 11 universities from five UNIIC member countries, strengthening the foundation for long-term cooperation in research, innovation, and cross-regional business incubation. To expand the impact of this collaboration, UNIIC also launched two key initiatives: first, the preparation of a Joint Technical Report by UMP and APU outlining guidelines for cross-border collaboration; and second, the development of an AI-enabled matching platform by APU and the Cambodia Institute of Technology (CIT), which facilitates automated matching between research partners, startups, and funding sources within the consortium. Both initiatives will be officially launched at Hackfest 2025, to be held in India.

Universitas Trisakti Rector Prof. Dr. Kadarsah Suryadi stated that the university is proud to have been part of the UNIIC founding team from the outset and remains committed to contributing to a collaborative space that delivers tangible impact. He noted that this joint initiative is not merely a discussion forum but a collective movement toward a future of higher education that is more adaptive and globally competitive. Universitas Trisakti’s active participation also reflects the application of the “penta-helix” approach, integrating the roles of academia, government, the business sector, the community, and the media to build a sustainable innovation ecosystem.

Through its involvement in the Asia-Africa Roundtable 2025, Universitas Trisakti not only affirms its presence on the international stage but also demonstrates its leadership as a driving force behind the cross-regional research and innovation collaboration that will shape the future of the Global South.

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[Repost: USAKTINews]