Education equals virtue at UPH, where leaders are created

Andrea Tejokusumo , The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Fri, 05/02/2008 1:46 PM | Focus

Proud to retain a slice of virtue in this ever-changing world, the University of Pelita Harapan (UPH) strives to offer an educational program that integrates high-quality teaching with spiritual growth and character building.

Established in 1994 by the Pelita Harapan Foundation, UPH may well fit all the characteristics of a modern-day international campus. Superb learning facilities abound within the institution's grounds in Karawaci Tangerang, with its Global Campus catering to over 9,000 students from more than 10 countries.

Comprehensive course programs are offered by 31 departments and faculties, with all latest developments in nano- and bio-technology utilized to support teaching and research. Yet UPH's concern is not only for its gleaming campus building or quality programs.

"UPH is very serious about holistic education with a focus on high quality education, spiritual growth, character development as well as sports and music," said UPH rector Jonathan L. Parapak.

"All this is to contribute to the improvement of (Indonesia's) human resource quality by preparing future leaders and professionals who are able to play in a global community."

UPH's approach is based on what it dubs "Total Transformational Education", which underlines global practice, professional management, synergy and a people-oriented approach.

While global practice is strengthened by use of a compulsory TOEFL module to ensure the students' level of English proficiency is in accordance with international standards, teaching quality is managed by bringing in lecturers and tutors with extensive experience in their respective fields. Guest speakers are invited from across the country and overseas to hold a series of lectures, seminars and workshops.

To enhance its global synergy, UPH offers new International and Dual Degree Programs alongside its array of undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate programs to accommodate education at all levels. The innovative curricula are devised through the university's affiliations with top education providers abroad.

"We closely cooperate with NUS and QUT in Australia, Wheaton and Biola in the U.S., as well as other top universities in China and Europe. Many of our dual degrees are carried out in collaboration with such prestigious institutions," Parapak said.

In all these aspects is a people-oriented approach directed at students as well as teachers and staff. The campus' friendly environment allows for growth both in class and socially. UPH also has a students' association to offer support and a platform to channel students' interests and talents.

Apart from these core values, the university's partnership with national and multinational companies such as Microsoft, Intel, Toshiba, Matahari Department Store, Multipolar and Lippo Group is an added bonus for students.

The UPH Faculty of Medicine and School of Nursing, for example, has close links with Siloam Hospitals Group which allows for firsthand medical learning in modern research facilities under the supervision of a world-class medical sciences group.

"I've always wanted to do a medical degree at UPH," said Edwin Lais, 23, who just completed UPH's undergraduate general medicine program last year. "One of the university's strong points is in its ability to be open to new changes, including adjusting its curriculum to accommodate the latest medical developments."

Edwin is currently undergoing an internship at Siloam Hospitals Group. "I have two years during which I'm given the chance to try out everything from internal medicine to gynecology, surgery and pediatrics, which is such a great learning experience as well as practice," he said, adding that he would take on a specialization upon finishing the internship.

Edwin's younger sister Inez is also studying at UPH with a major in management. Both of them found the university's passion for spiritual growth encouraging.

"UPH is known to be quite religious in their outlook, but they never try to indoctrinate us in any way. The essence of all that is to help us grow academically, professionally and internally," he said.

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