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ONDON: Andreas Raharso, director of the Singapore-based Hay Group Global Research Center for Strategy Execution, has been elected chairman of the International Indonesian Scientists Association for the 2011 to 2013 period.

He was elected last week during an online conference coordinated by Abdullah Abbas in Malaysia.

Conference head Victoria Lelu Sabon, who is based in Russia, said scientists from 20 countries joined the Internet conference, which used an e-voting mechanism.

The conference also elected Taruna Ikrar from the University of California at Irvine’s medical school as vice chairman.

In his inauguration speech, Andreas said Indonesia had many qualified workers globally who had yet to benefit the country.

Cooperation among the Indonesia’ international scientists was important for advancing the nation, he said.

Andreas, who was awarded a doctorate from the University of Indonesia, was first Asian to head Hay Group Global since 1946. The research group is a global management consultancy that works for national leaders.

Among others, the research group helped the administration of US President Barack Obama with its programs.