SLEMAN - A total of 29 UPN Veteran Yogyakarta (UPNVY) students accompanied 28 Singapore Polytechnic (SP) students carrying out a joint program in Pakembinangun Village, Pakem Sub-district, Sleman.

The Learning Express (LeX) program of Design Thinking and Team Bonding lasted for 10 days from 30 March to 9 April 2018.

Learning Express (LeX) is a learning program that develops a design thinking and social innovation. Students from various disciplines came from various partner institutions like UPNVY, Singapore Polytechnic and Kanazawa Technical College Japan who worked together to contribute to society.

"They will apply the knowledge and skills they have learned in college using the design thinking methods to create innovative solutions in accordance with the conditions and needs of society. The program they do was tailored to the problems and needs of the community, "said Head of UPT Language Laboratory, Dr. Ir. R.R. Rukmowati Brotodjojo, M.Agr at the closing ceremony, at the Seminar Room of Faculty of Agriculture, UPN Condong Catur, Monday (9/4/2018).

By working together, the students from different countries and cultures would interact with the community. This program, said Rukmo, in addition to improving student skills in solving problems would also be able to strengthen the relationship between community members from various participating countries.

On the same occasion, the Vice  Rector for Student Affairs and Cooperation, Dr. Singgih Saptono said that UPNVY and SP students could continue their friendship.

"I believe after almost ten days of work and study together during the Express Learning program, the students of Singapore Polytechnic, and UPNVY getcloser and become good friends. This friendship may not end after the program is completed, but it is as the beginning of better relations between the people of Singapore and Indonesia, "said Singgih.

Singgih said the participants had a fruitful learning experience, both cultural and social ones, during the program and had an incredible life experience living with local villagers.

"I hope the life and learning experience will benefit all participants in the near future. I hope you have a pleasant and memorable stay in Yogyakarta, "said Singgih. (wwj / humas)