International Christian Higher Education Conference 2013: Opening Ceremony

Universitas Pelita Harapan together with Biola University and Corban University organized International Christian Higher Education that will take place for three days, from November 5 to November 7, 2013. On the first day, an opening ceremony to mark the beginning of conference is held at Mahogany Balroom, Aryaduta Karawaci. 

In the opening ceremony, Dr. (Hon.) Jonathan L. Parapak ? UPH Rector, Dr. Sheldon Nord ? President of Corban University, Dr. Barry Corey ? President of Biola University, and Dr. (Hon) James T. Riady ? Founder of UPH delivered their remarks and welcomed the participants of the conference. UPH Teachers College and Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economics Indonesia also performed a wide array of traditional dances from many regions that entertained not only participants from Indonesia but also abroad.

James Riady opened his remarks by thanking the committee for their efforts in organizing this international conference. According to him, the theme of the conference, ?Faith, Learning and Media of Hope? is very important to be addressed but also at the same time gives a wide range of topic that could be discussed. He also added that the media has gone through many significant changes and adjustment to cultures.

It is inevitable that media is going to play an important role. In addition to that, the increase of media accessibility not only through TV but also other devices such as smartphone is also getting apparent. Because of that, James emphasized the importance of church roles in educating and shaping Christian congregation so that they could practice the values of faith in their calling as media professionals.