APU has developed thanks to the warm support it has received from various municipalities and people in Japan and overseas and will mark its 10th anniversary in 2010.
As APU looks towards the next 10 years, President CASSIM and APU Advisory Committee member, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Japan, His Excellency Dr. H. Jusuf ANWAR enjoyed a conversation about education at APU and the human resources sought after by society.

 
 


"One of the things that we try to do at APU is to instill a sense of discipline, and commitment to
doing one's best."(CASSIM)

CASSIM : One of the things that we try to do at APU is to instill a sense of discipline, and a commitment to doing one's best.
Whether it is in the classroom in sports or cultural activities our teachers are very consistent in this message. As a result, even among the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Techonology, we are highly regarded as a university which makes its students learn. When you have intellectual rigor, you question what is right and what is wrong. Your behavior is shaped through interacting with a range of other human beings, through whom you learn to understand others, forgive others and work with others.

Ambassador : I was at APU recently with the President and saw all the young and happy faces during the Indonesian Week celebrations. I was very glad to see how active our students are. Even in the cultural events they interact well with others. Many other international students were even wearing the traditional costume of Indonesia, there were no barriers. I was so amazed by the very good response from the whole university. All the auditoriums were crowded.

CASSIM : As you have noticed, Ambassador, our Indonesian students shine. They excel in the classroom and extra-curricular activities, and are the social fabric around which many other students gather. They bring with them a very important subliminal message from Indonesia. I have never seen a country so diverse and yet has such a sense of unity. It is a great humanitarian bond that links the people of Indonesia.

Ambassador : This year is a happy year for Indonesia and Japan as we are marking over 50 years of diplomatic relations and we are not going to stop there; we will create another 50 years of friendship that will last forever. We will keep emphasizing the spirit of heart to heart and people to people relationships. It is my sincere hope that the Indonesian students can contribute significantly in the efforts towards peace and solidarity.

CASSIM : In terms of human resource development, are there any areas in particular that Indonesia is focussing on?

Ambassador : Indonesia is a big country and we can absorb any speciality whether it is in social science, humanities or any other discipline, there is room for everyone. We require human resources with an awareness and good sense of logic. Many people today believe that our future economy will not be a resource based economy, but one based in knowledge. Those with brains will lead the world.



"There are only three keys to a successful and bright future.First: study hard. Second: study hard. Third and finally: study hard."(Ambassador)

CASSIM : In 2010 we will celebrate our 10th anniversary. Do you have any advice for APU on how to be strong in the next ten years?

Ambassador : The University has to focus on its core. That is improving the quality of human resources by creating and putting added value into human beings. That is your mission, not playing politics. Teachers in the University have to create people that will be ready. Teach good theory. You are not teaching people to succeed in every aspect of their life. As intellectuals you must teach good logic. Concentrate on the University being a professional learning institution rather than as a practicing institution. Continuing the current policy of non-discrimination is definitely the right direction and again, stay away from practical politics, then everybody on campus will feel at home.

CASSIM : Thank you Ambassador, I will keep that in mind and share it with my colleagues so that we can be professional as a learning institution. Finally, do you have a message for our APU students?

Ambassador : There are only three keys to a successful and bright future. First: study hard. Second: study hard. Third and finally: study hard.





Talks with the President of APU
His Excellency Dr.H.Jusuf ANWAR Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Japan
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