RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia's Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) in Banda Aceh is deepening its global academic ties with China's Guangdong Ocean University (GDOU) through a partnership focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and marine sciences.

“This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to building academic partnerships oriented toward research, innovation, and internationally competitive human resources,” USK Vice Rector for Planning, Cooperation, and Business, Ramzi Adriman, said in Banda Aceh on Monday, June 7, 2026.

He noted that USK and GDOU bring complementary strengths in marine science, fisheries, environmental sustainability, and the blue economy. Looking ahead, the partnership aims to expand into computer science, AI, data science, and engineering as drivers of future innovation.

Integrating AI, Ramzi added, will significantly enhance marine resource management, smart fisheries, and disaster mitigation.

The cooperation includes joint research, postgraduate education, double-degree and sandwich programs. GDOU Vice President Deng Fengguang emphasized that the partnership is entering a more strategic phase, covering food science, animal science, engineering, and AI.

“We see USK as a strategic partner in Southeast Asia. Together, we aim to advance research supporting national development strategies across the Indian Ocean, Malacca Strait, South China Sea, and Natuna Islands,” he said, as quoted by Antara.

Key agreements reached include marine ranching projects, LUBAN workshops, Mandarin language centers on both campuses, and AI-based research in sea rice cultivation and smart fisheries. The universities also agreed on short-term student exchanges, involving 20 students annually from each institution. ***