EduAsiaNews, Malaysia – Dean of the Faculty of Medicine of Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jakarta (FK UPNVJ), Dr. dr. H. Taufiq Fredrik Pasiak, M.Kes., M.Pd.I., S.H., M.H., CIPA, was formally conferred the title of Adjunct Professor by Universiti Geomatika Malaysia on Thursday (September 3, 2026). The international academic recognition further strengthens his contribution to the field of neuroscience while opening broader opportunities for collaboration in education, research, and innovation between FK UPNVJ and higher education institutions in Malaysia.
The conferment follows Dr. Taufiq’s appointment as Adjunct Professor in Neuroscience at Universiti Geomatika Malaysia on June 24, 2026. At the time, he delivered an inaugural lecture entitled “The Brain That Transcends Itself: Neuroplasticity, Gene-Environment Interaction, and the Birth of Geospatial Neuroscience,” highlighting the interconnectedness of neuroscience, human health, the environment, and geospatial technology.
The recognition not only reflects the personal achievement of an academic but also expands opportunities for FK UPNVJ to build cross-border academic and scientific networks. Dr. Taufiq specializes in neuroanatomy and behavioral neuroscience, with an academic track record that includes studies in biomedical neuroanatomy as well as neuroscience and spirituality.
The September 3 occasion also coincided with the strengthening of institutional relations between UPNVJ and Universiti Geomatika Malaysia. On the same day, the two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), opening opportunities for collaboration in academic activities, research, innovation, and the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education.
The meeting was attended by members of the FK UPNVJ Dean’s Office and leaders of Universiti Geomatika Malaysia, including Prof. Dato’ Dr. Hj. Mohamad Nasir Bin Saludin, Head of the Centre of Postgraduate Studies; Assoc. Prof. Laila Subra, Dean of the Faculty of Bioeconomics & Health Sciences; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hemavathy A/P Surikumaran, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovations and Commercialization.
Through this network, opportunities for collaboration may include joint research, knowledge exchange, cross-border academic activities, innovation development, and capacity building for faculty members and students. Dr. Taufiq’s position as an Adjunct Professor can serve as an academic bridge to facilitate collaboration that produces tangible outcomes, particularly in the development of neuroscience and related health fields.
The development of neuroscience is also aligned with UPNVJ’s focus on multidisciplinary research. At the Indonesian Brain Forum 2026, UPNVJ positioned neuroscience not only within the context of medicine but also as a field intersecting with education, leadership, decision-making, innovation, and evidence-based public policy.
This achievement also supports UPNVJ’s internationalization agenda. UPNVJ Rector Prof. Dr. Anter Venus, M.A., Comm., has positioned the expansion of the university’s international reputation and the strengthening of global collaboration as part of its transformation agenda. On various occasions, the Rector has emphasized that international partnerships should be impact-oriented and should go beyond ceremonial activities to generate measurable programs and benefits for the university community.
Accordingly, the academic recognition received by the Dean of FK UPNVJ becomes more meaningful when translated into joint research, academic mobility, scholarly publications, innovation, and human resource capacity development. This step is expected to further strengthen UPNVJ’s position as a higher education institution increasingly active in international education and research networks.(www.upnvj.ac.id)
