On June 20, 2025, the Tsinghua Southeast Asia Center hosted a distinguished Public Lecture at the Awan Auditorium, welcoming over 230 participants from academia, government, and industry. The event featured H.E. Prof. Stella Christie, Vice Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of Indonesia, and Prof. Chang Kai, Chair Professor at the School of Physics, Zhejiang University. From meticulous preparations — including special seating arrangements, high-quality sound systems, and VIP holding rooms — to the warm hospitality offered to guests, the event embodied professionalism and attention to detail. Registration began at 3:45 PM, followed by an official opening and welcoming remarks from Prof. Stella Christie, setting the tone for a stimulating academic exchange.
Prof. Chang Kai then delivered a compelling 45-minute lecture, sharing his expertise in physics and advancing cross-border knowledge collaboration. His presentation captivated the audience, leading into an engaging Q&A session where participants were able to explore his insights further. The session was enriched by the presence of notable guests, including senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and academic leaders from the Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB). Tokens of Appreciation were presented to both Prof. Chang Kai and Prof. Stella Christie, reflecting deep respect for their contributions to education and science.
The event also featured the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Knowledge Innovation Technology Alliance (KITA) between ITB and various partners, witnessed by ministers, dignitaries, and academic leaders. This milestone was accompanied by group photographs to commemorate the collaboration, followed by another Token of Appreciation ceremony for Prof. Dr. Ir. Tatacipta Dirgantara, Rector of ITB, presented by Ambassador Tantowi Yahya. A short HDX video presentation invited attendees to learn more about ongoing initiatives, with a call to action encouraging participation at the HDX booth outside.
Following the public lecture, guests transitioned to the Amphitheatre for a special dinner and networking session. The evening opened with a Balinese dance performance, setting a cultural and festive atmosphere. Cherie Nursalim, Co-chairman of the Board of Trustees of TSEA, delivered welcoming remarks, followed by special remarks from Prof. Shuyun Zhou of Tsinghua University. Guests enjoyed a catered dinner accompanied by acoustic music, fostering an intimate environment for discussions and collaboration. The night concluded with a group photo and closing by the master of ceremonies, marking the end of a day rich in knowledge exchange, cultural appreciation, and meaningful partnership building.
