FIJI National University has established a scholar exchange program with Indonesia's Pasundan University with the signing of a memorandum of understanding.
The three-year MOU will allow FNU to explore opportunities for staff and student exchanges, while promoting collaboration in information and research with Pasundan University, which is described as one of Indonesia's top universities.
An FNU statement said: "The MOU solidifies the intention of both universities to be involved in such activities as joint research, joint conference hosting, exchange of publications, reports and other academic information and other activities.
"The development supports the objectives of FNU's strategic plan for 2012-2014 in seeking out partnerships and alliances with institutions in the region and internationally to create an atmosphere of learning to inspire research and knowledge creation that will eventually promote development."
Indonesian Ambassador Salim Chandra said Fiji and Indonesia enjoyed a longstanding relationship since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1974.
FNU vice-chancellor Dr Ganesh Chand said the agreement would not only cover exchanges but also involved linkages on cultural studies and gender studies, which had possibilities for nation-building.
Dr Chand said the deal demonstrated the presence of FNU in Asia which was regarded "as the place for the future".
"There is a lot for us to gain from Asia's recent challenges, researches and learn from the financial crisis that they faced," he added.
He said within 18 months, FNU would hold the first joint venture conference on agriculture with University of Pasundan and the Ministry of Agriculture.