Inp.polri.go.id - Shanghai. Vice President Ma'ruf Amin urged Indonesian students studying overseas, particularly in Shanghai, to complete their study and return back to Indonesia. "Complete your doctoral degree and then return to Indonesiar. If you wish to gain work experience for a while, that's fine, but not too long. Indonesia needs bright minds like yours," he said while addressing around 200 Indonesian expatriates and scholars during a "National Dialogue" in Shanghai, China, on Monday (18/9/23). While stressting the importance of broadening perspectives, he urged the students to cultivate academic as well as tolerance and open-mindedness while studying abroad. "Remember to show gratitude towards your surroundings. Actively engage and network with international and fellow Indonesian students here," the Vice President said, The government, he said, has been interested in nurturing knowledgeable individuals who have experience abroad. "Indonesia encourages its students to pursue higher education in any country, including China, where many Indonesian students currently study. China's advancements in fields like business and technology make it an advantageous choice," he asserted Referring to the Prophet Muhammad's advice over a millennium ago to 'Seek knowledge as far as China', the Vice President shed light on the historical significance of China in the pursuit of scientific and developmental knowledge. "Why did he advise his people to pursue knowledge in China? It wasn't for religious learning, but for scientific and developmental insights. If it were about religious knowledge, he would have suggested 'seek knowledge even if you have to travel to Egypt'. Nonetheless, he emphasized, 'Seek knowledge even if you have to go to China.' This underscores the value of seeking knowledge in China, which has now emerged as a pivotal partner for Indonesia," the VP elaborated. Accompanying Vice President Ma'ruf during the event were his spouse, Wury Ma'ruf Amin, as well as the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to China and Mongolia, Djauhari Oratmangun, and wife Sih Elsiwi Handayani Oratmangun. (ar/inp/pr/nm)