The First Honorary Degree was given by Ibaraki University Japan to Udayana University Lecturer Prof. Dewa Ngurah Suprapta

Prof. Dewa Ngurah Suprapta, lecturer at the Faculty of Agriculture, Udayana University (Unud) was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Ibaraki University, Japan for his great contribution over 20 years since 2004 developing academic collaboration between Udayana University and Ibaraki University, especially in the fields of education, research, culture and international cooperation.

President of Ibaraki University Prof. Hiroyuki Ohta, recipient of the 2016 Udayana Award, in his remarks at the ceremony which was attended by officials, professors, lecturers and students of Ibaraki University, said that Prof. Dewa Ngurah Suprapta is part of Ibaraki University, and has contributed greatly to developing various academic collaboration programs, such as join seminars, join lectures, join workshops, summer courses, winter courses, to the development of the double degree program in the Agricultural Biotechnology Master Program since 2012.

Prof. Dewa has been a guest lecturer at our place since 2004 and from 2016 until now is one of the 5 (five) advisory board members of the College of Agriculture Ibaraki University. The academic collaboration that we developed with Prof. Dewa succeeded in facilitating the exchange of science and technology, as well as cultural exchange between students, administrative staff and lecturers at Udayana University and Ibaraki University.

"Apart from that, this cooperation program has also succeeded in fostering mutual understanding and respect between the two nations, namely Indonesia and Japan," he said.

Future world challenges will become increasingly complex, and we predict that in the next 75 years many global challenges and problems will affect both countries, such as climate change, global food security, health and inequality in development progress. Therefore, international cooperation programs are urgently needed to face all these challenges and problems so that a developed and peaceful world will be created.

Awarding an honorary doctorate to Prof. Dewa Ngurah Suprapta is the first title given by Ibaraki University in its history. Prof. Hiroyuki Ohta hopes that in the future, Ibaraki University and Udayana University can improve and expand academic cooperation in various scientific fields and strengthen cultural cooperation between the two nations.

Rector of Udayana University Prof. Ngakan Putu Gede Suardana who was present with the Chair of the Udayana University Senate, Prof. Gede Mahardika in his speech expressed his deepest gratitude to the leadership of Ibaraki University for awarding an Honorary Doctorate to one of the best professors at Udayana University. This award is truly a tribute not only to Prof. Dewa Suprapta but also to Udayana University.

The Rector also conveyed his congratulations to Prof. Dewa for this well-deserved award. This is proof of his extraordinary contribution and dedication to always making positive changes in the world of education. This award is also a reflection of the strong and lasting partnership between Udayana University and Ibaraki University. Achievements of Prof. Dewa is a beacon of excellence and a source of inspiration for all to continue striving for innovation and positive chang.

Prof. Dewa Ngurah Suprapta in his speech expressed his gratitude, pride and thanks to Ibaraki University for granting this honorary doctorate degree. This honorary doctorate degree is not recognition of personal academic performance alone, but an acknowledgment of hard work, dedication and joint contributions in strengthening academic cooperation between Udayana University and Ibaraki University.

Furthermore, Prof. Dewa said that higher education has a very important role in educating and prospering society through superior graduates and innovation that are useful for facing various global challenges. International cooperation in higher education enables the exchange of knowledge, technology and culture between universities which enriches perspectives and improves the quality of education in a sustainable manner.

International cooperation can also contribute to educational diplomacy, where education is used as a means to strengthen relations between nations, increase peace, and strengthen understanding between cultures. Furthermore, international cooperation in higher education is not only about academic achievement, but also about building an inclusive, peaceful and sustainable world.

Ending his speech, Prof. Dewa expressed his sincere thanks to all the leaders of Udayana University and the leaders of Ibaraki University, lecturers, staff and students who have supported, collaborated and facilitated all academic cooperation programs that have been developed between Udayana University and Ibaraki University, and hopes that in the future there will be more enhance and expand this cooperation.

Don't forget Prof. Dewa also expressed his sincere thanks to his family, wife, children and grandchildren who have provided a lot of encouragement, support and understanding for his achievements so far.