UNAIR signs MoU with MSU Malaysia

Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) formally expanded its international network through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Management and Science University (MSU) Malaysia. The signing ceremony was held on Tuesday (Nov. 25, 2025) at the Balairua Plenary Hall inside the Management Building at UNAIR’s MERR-C Campus. Top administrators from both institutions attended the event, along with UNAIR faculty members who witnessed the agreement. The MoU reflects a mutual commitment to strengthening institutional collaboration. Its core objectives include enhancing cooperation in education and research and supporting the development of academic programs with long-term impact.

In his remarks, UNAIR Rector Prof. Dr. Muhammad Madyan, SE, MSi, MFin, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to welcome MSU Malaysia as an international partner at this landmark event. He emphasized that partnerships between universities play a vital role in building an academic ecosystem that promotes shared growth and intellectual exchange. “This visit carries great significance, not only because it brings together Indonesia and Malaysia, but also because it demonstrates our shared commitment to advancing higher education for global progress,” Prof. Madyan said.

He noted that UNAIR’s newly inaugurated leadership, appointed three months earlier, now has a pivotal role in expanding international cooperation, including efforts with MSU. He stressed that higher education is an investment that thrives on trust-based partnerships rather than isolated progress.

Prof. Madyan also highlighted the need for deeper collaboration between UNAIR and MSU. Priority areas include faculty and student exchanges, joint research projects, and the development of innovative academic initiatives. “This partnership is not just administrative paperwork; it is a shared commitment to creating initiatives that benefit Indonesia, Malaysia, and the global academic community. The combined strengths of MSU and UNAIR will enrich the programs we develop together,” he added.

He further acknowledged that while many partnerships are already underway, there remains significant potential to broaden collaboration across various faculties and strengthen the outcomes of existing initiatives.

Prof. Madyan closed his remarks by thanking Prof. Tan Sri Dato’ Wira Dr. Mohd Shukri Ab Yajid and the MSU leadership for their trust. He expressed hope that the MoU will mark a new chapter of stronger cooperation and produce meaningful contributions for both academic communities. “We hope this collaboration brings benefits not only to our institutions but also to society at large. Together, let us build a stronger and more impactful future for higher education,” he concluded.

The event wrapped up with a symbolic presentation celebrating the partnership. Both universities expressed optimism that the collaboration will enhance the quality of higher education and expand international opportunities for students and faculty.

Building a Resilient and Sustainable City: NCU and Taoyuan City Government Join Forces on “Environmental Governance and Smart Disaster Prevention”

In response to the growing challenges of climate change and increasing risks of extreme disasters, National Central University (NCU) and the Taoyuan City Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on August 13 for cooperation in “Environmental Governance and Smart Disaster Prevention.” Through the integration of advanced meteorological observation technologies, intelligent disaster prevention systems, and the combined strengths of administrative and academic resources, the partnership aims to create a smart city that embodies both technological resilience and environmental sustainability.
The signing ceremony was jointly attended by President Dr. Shu-San Hsiau, National Central University and Taoyuan City Mayor San-Cheng Chang. The collaboration focuses on 2 key areas: “Environmental Governance” and “Smart Disaster Prevention.” Leveraging NCU’s expertise in remote sensing technology, intelligent monitoring, and data analytics, the partnership will introduce advanced technologies into municipal management to strengthen pollution control and disaster early warning systems—addressing the increasingly severe challenges posed by climate change.
In the area of Environmental Governance, the two parties will promote environmental monitoring and forecasting systems, develop pollution control strategies, and work toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions. In terms of Smart Disaster Prevention, the collaboration will utilize information and communication technologies, meteorological radar, and other remote sensing tools—combined with big data analytics—to enhance real-time response capabilities to natural disasters. Through partnership with academic sector, the Taoyuan City Government aims to establish a governance model characterized by resilience, intelligence, and forward-looking vision.
As the leading university in Taoyuan, National Central University (NCU) has long been dedicated to the city’s sustainable development. NCU has established strong research capabilities in areas related to environment and extreme weather, continually advancing innovative scientific technologies through cutting-edge remote sensing, data analytics, and numerical modeling. By signing this MOU with Taoyuan City Government, NCU seeks to translate academic research into practical, localized applications—fulfilling its social responsibility as a university, supporting the city government in building a sustainable and livable community, and bringing long-term benefits to its citizens.
Taoyuan City Government stated that the signing of this MOU is not only a significant symbol of collaboration between administrative and academic sectors, but also a key step toward establishing a new paradigm for smart environmental governance and disaster prevention in Taoyuan. Moving forward, both parties will continue to deepen their partnership and jointly pursue the core vision of “using technology to protect the environment and smart solutions to enhance disaster resilience,” creating a safe, sustainable, and livable environment for all citizens.

Bakrie Uni’s Student Won APAC’s Competition

A brilliant achievement was achieved by a student from the Informatics Study Program at Bakrie University. Egbert Felica Wibianto won first place in the Lens 180: Short Video Competition, an international competition organized by the IEEE Region 10 Adhoc Committee on Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ACEI).

The competition, titled “Lens 180: Entrepreneurship Spirit Explained in 3 Minutes!”, was aimed at students and young professionals in the Asia-Pacific region (IEEE Region 10). The competition invited over 50 submissions from various countries, with the goal of encouraging entrepreneurial spirit through inspiring and original visual works.

Participants were asked to showcase creative ideas that reflect how entrepreneurship can change lives, drive innovation, and provide solutions to real-world problems in society. From dozens of submissions, only the top three entries were selected to receive awards and be officially showcased on the IEEE Region 10 platform.

Egbert presented a work titled “Code to Survive: A Student’s Web Journey,” a video depicting a student’s journey in developing web technology skills to prepare them for future challenges. This work also received support from Thariq Rahman, a fellow Informatics student, and Baptista Yohana Vallen, a student in the Information Systems study program at Bakrie University.

Thanks to his creativity and originality, Egbert stood out among participants from various countries and was named First Place. The other two winners were Sai Gayathri & Sigaram Sahithi from India, and Muhammad Nawwarudin from Surabaya State University (UNESA), Indonesia.

As the first place winner, Egbert not only received an official award from IEEE Region 10 Asia Pacific but also had the opportunity to showcase his work on the IEEE’s international platform. This success is a testament to the quality of Bakrie University students in innovating and competing on the global stage.

This event is expected to inspire other students to continue their creativity, hone their entrepreneurial skills, and dare to compete internationally.

The University and the Hero City

On 22 August 2025, the National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» held a grand opening ceremony for the «50th Parallel» monument. This symbolic place connects Kharkiv and NTU «KhPI» with cities in Ukraine, Canada, Great Britain, France, Belgium, Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Kazakhstan, and many other countries around the world. The architectural structure is a stele on which a globe «spins», with color photographs of NTU «KhPI» buildings on glass on either side. The monument, weighing about three tons, is made of a solid block of labradorite stone and is installed near the Electrical Engineering Building of NTU «KhPI», where the 50th parallel of northern latitude passes. The festive event was attended by representatives of the rectorate, the Supervisory Board, and employees of the Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute, as well as the leadership of Kharkiv. The event was dedicated to the Day of the Hero City of Kharkiv and the 140th anniversary of the NTU «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute», which will be celebrated this autumn. 

In his welcoming speech, the rector of NTU «KhPI», Professor Yevgen Sokol, noted that the installation of the «50th Parallel» monument at the university was a landmark event dedicated to the 140th anniversary of Kharkiv Polytechnic. «This small square near our famous Electrical Engineering Building has become a symbolic place that unites the National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» with cities in Ukraine, Canada, Great Britain, France, Belgium, Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Kazakhstan, and many other countries around the world. The 50th Parallel, which connects Kharkiv and Kharkiv Polytechnic with the whole world, passes not only through our globe, but also through our hearts. We are proud of the large number of international agreements — over 200 — that enable our university to cooperate effectively at the global level. It is especially important today that online education provides a solid theoretical foundation, but there are difficulties with the practical application of knowledge. That is why we are creating new opportunities: we have signed 16 double degree agreements and 57 Erasmus+ KA1 agreements, which allow students to intern at leading European universities, combining theoretical training with practical skills. On the eve of Day of the City, we are proud of the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the development of Kharkiv and once again confirm that our city is global and rightfully ranks among the best cities in the world,» the Rector emphasized.

The scale and significance of this project for Kharkiv and NTU «KhPI» was noted in his speech by Kharkiv Mayor Igor Terekhov: «It is very symbolic that within the walls of such an educational institution, which embodies the city of Kharkiv — our NTU «KhPI» — a commemorative sign has appeared that will become a real landmark of the city. Today is a special day, because we have gathered on the eve of great holidays — Kharkiv City Day and Ukraine’s Independence Day. This is a time when we feel pride in our city, our university, and everyone who shapes its present and future. I sincerely hope that we will continue to celebrate such events, and I believe that next year’s celebration will be completely different — in a peaceful, calm atmosphere, without alarms and fear. I am confident that we will definitely achieve a just peace, that our city has always been and will remain a student city, and that NTU «KhPI» will remain the heart of student life. I want Kharkiv, located on the 50th parallel, to become a city of unity — of science, education, industry, production, and entrepreneurship. I want it to inspire new achievements and open new horizons for all of us. And I dream that we will celebrate the next festivities together here, near this memorial sign, in a peaceful, joyful city, with lots of students, laughter, and a festive mood. Thank you for your work, your dedication, and your love for our university. I am proud of you. And I congratulate everyone on the holiday!»

Volodymyr Semynozhenko, member of the Supervisory Board and head of the North-Eastern Scientific Center of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, congratulated the Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute on the creation of the new monument: «Today is truly an extraordinary occasion. We are used to talking about front lines, demarcation lines, and, God willing, lines of reconciliation. But today we are talking about other lines—parallels that can only be imagined geographically. However, they are so significant because they unite and pass through different countries. And countries are not just territories; they are, first and foremost, people. Thus, these lines pass through people and through our current understanding of the world. This symbolic 50th parallel is our sign, our property, our benchmark for ensuring that in the future we will only talk about unity, about lines that bring us closer together and bring peace. Therefore, I sincerely congratulate everyone on this unique event, and let us count the days from today until the moment when everything we have said today comes true,» said Volodymyr Semynozhenko.

Speeches were also given by Volodymyr Sklyarov, Director General of the National Scientific Center «Institute of Metrology,» and Ruslan Poedinets, sculptor and author of the «50th Parallel» monument.

It should be noted that the exact location of the 50th Parallel on the territory of Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute was determined by experts from the scientific center of the state enterprise «Kharkivstandartmetrologiya.» NTU «KhPI» received the corresponding certificate in 2023.

Note:

The monument «50th Parallel» on the territory of NTU «KhPI» is made of a solid block of labradorite stone from the Korostyshiv quarry in Zhytomyr region. The stele, decorated with colour photographs on glass depicting views of Kharkiv Polytechnic, measures 900x900x900 mm. The diameter of the globe installed on the stele is 800 mm. The total weight of the architectural structure is about 3 tons. The monument was financed by the NTU «KhPI» Alumni Association.

The architect of the memorial sign is Ruslan Poedinets, a native of Kharkiv and founder of the company BAZA STONE. The company that implemented this project has more than ten years of experience in stone processing. It has completed more than 100 successful projects of varying complexity in Kharkiv and other locations.

The architect of the memorial sign is Ruslan Poedinets, a native of Kharkiv and founder of the company «BAZA STONE». The company that implemented this project has more than ten years of experience in stone processing. It has completed over 100 successful projects of varying complexity in Kharkiv and other locations.

The 50th parallel north is a line of latitude 50 degrees north of the Earth’s equator. It crosses Europe, Asia, the Pacific Ocean, North America, and the Atlantic Ocean. In particular, the parallel passes through Ukraine, Canada, Great Britain, France, Belgium, Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Kazakhstan, and many other countries. At this latitude, the Sun is visible for 16 hours and 22 minutes during the summer solstice and 8 hours and 4 minutes on the day of the winter solstice. In 2023, experts from the scientific center SE «Kharkivstandartmetrologiya» determined the exact location of the 50th Parallel north. It is a site near the Electrical Engineering Building of the National Technical University «KhPI». We should note that Kharkiv is considered the largest city in the world located on the 50th Parallel. An original sign was dedicated to this phenomenon and installed in the Shevchenko City Garden in 2010.

The National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» is one of the leading and largest technical higher education institutions in Ukraine, founded in 1885. Today, NTU «KhPI» consists of 10 educational and scientific institutes and 103 departments, with over 15,000 students enrolled. Kharkiv Polytechnic is among the TOP-5 best universities in Ukraine and ranks high among domestic higher education institutions in prestigious international ratings. In 2010, NTU «KhPI» received the status of a national research university. In 2022, NTU «KhPI»’s unique IT specialist training program «Innovation Campus» won the global «silver» award in the field of education.

In 2025, the National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» will celebrate its 140th anniversary. It has come a long way from being the first technical higher education institution in eastern Ukraine to one of the best universities in our country and a renowned international scientific and educational center. During this time, Kharkiv Polytech has trained hundreds of thousands of specialists who have changed the country and made a significant contribution to the development of science, industry, education, culture, IT, and the defense industry.

NTU «KhPI» graduates work in leading companies around the world and teach at prestigious universities. Since Ukraine gained independence, 53 NTU «KhPI» scientists have been awarded State Prizes in Science and Technology, and 39 talented researchers from the university have become laureates of the President’s Prizes for Young Scientists. NTU «KhPI» actively implements modern educational formats, expands international cooperation, modernizes infrastructure, and participates in important research projects. The university has cooperation agreements with more than 240 higher education institutions and scientific institutions in more than 40 countries around the world and is a permanent member of prestigious international academic associations. Within the framework of the European Union’s «ERASMUS+» program, NTU «KhPI» implements 57 projects and develops 16 double degree programs with the best foreign universities.

TMU Students Explore New Horizons

During his time studying in Taiwan, Guatemalan medical student José Roberto Rodriguez Mazariegos has learned more than a new language and culture. “It opened my mind about medical research and what was possible,” he says. “Back home in Guatemala, we do not have the resources or trained people to undertake a lot of research.”

While Mazariegos focused on clinical medicine in Guatemala, he embarked on a new direction at Taipei Medical University (TMU) through its international graduate programme in medicine.

“It’s a whole different world in which you are not just prescribing medicine, but we can start from the beginning to develop new things,” he says. “It has helped me to understand that being a good clinical doctor and doing research go hand-in-hand.”

Mazariegos recently completed his master’s at TMU as part of the MOFA Taiwan Scholarship, receiving the academic achievement award for outstanding performance in the programme.

The MOFA Taiwan Scholarship, funded by the Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aims to encourage outstanding international students to study in Taiwan. It offers scholarships to bachelor’s, master’s and PhD candidates from countries with diplomatic ties with Taiwan. The programme includes an additional compulsory year in which scholars learn Mandarin.

“The scholarship has something different compared to other scholarships because they don’t just train you in what you want to study,” says Mazariegos. “They also give you the language.” He says that learning Mandarin in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, extended beyond words and phrases. “It helped me, not just with the language, but also with the culture.”

Mazariegos’ research focuses on the relationship between gut microbiome and precocious puberty, which is when a child’s body starts to develop into an adult body at an unusually early age. He will also pursue his doctoral studies at TMU.

He recognises support from the MOFA programme and TMU in helping him adjust to living and studying in another country. “I came with a group of people who shared the same scholarship as me, even though they were in different fields and at different levels of study,” Mazariegos says. This created a ready-made support network, he says.

TMU offers many activities to help students immerse themselves in the culture, such as workshops and mentoring programmes. He also points to the Office of Global Engagement, which is “always open for you for any questions you have”.

The MOFA Taiwan Scholarship allows students to attend Taiwanese institutions. Mazariegos chose TMU in part because he was impressed with the application process, which invited him to an interview with the head of the course. Application interviews are not just for institutions to determine whether to take on a candidate. “It’s also for the people that are applying to get to know the university and the people there,” he says.

The deciding factor was that TMU offers many of its courses in English. “If your programme is in English, then everything is in English, including correspondence with the university,” he says. While Mazariegos can now communicate in Mandarin, he doubts he would be able to understand his medical speciality in the language. “Luckily, in Taiwan, there are many options that are available in English.”

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Original Article: https://oge.tmu.edu.tw/taiwan-scholarship-programme-broadens-student-horizons/

UNAIR and Mongolian Embassy to collaborate

As part of its efforts to strengthen cross-sector collaboration, Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) welcomed a visit from the Embassy of Mongolia in Jakarta. The delegation met with UNAIR leadership on Thursday (Nov. 20, 2025) at the Balai RUA, MERR-C Campus Management Office. During the visit, UNAIR Rector Prof. Madyan held a strategic meeting with the Mongolian delegation to explore potential areas of cooperation. Ambassador Enkhtaivan Dashnyam attended the meeting alongside Nyamdorj Chuluunbaatar and Attache Khulan Ganbat.

Responding to the rector’s remarks, the Mongolian Ambassador said his government welcomes collaboration proposals, particularly academic exchanges with the National University of Mongolia. UNAIR also introduced opportunities through the World University Association for Community Development (WUACD), a platform that could enable student participation in community service programs in Mongolia, supported by UNAIR faculty and researchers. Their collaboration is reflected in several recent exchanges. UNAIR welcomed four academic staff members from Mongolian institutions in 2021 and 2025. Meanwhile, 26 UNAIR students joined outbound academic programs at Mandakh University during 2021–2022, and UNAIR received one inbound student from the National University of Mongolia in 2021.

“These exchanges show the deepening ties between our countries and highlight the potential for broader cooperation. We hope today’s discussion will advance opportunities in health sciences, social sciences, life sciences, and engineering. Together, we can strengthen academic programs, research initiatives, and community development,” Prof. Madyan said.

Responding to the rector’s remarks, the Mongolian Ambassador said his government welcomes collaboration proposals, particularly academic exchanges with the National University of Mongolia. UNAIR also introduced opportunities through the World University Association for Community Development (WUACD), a platform that could enable student participation in community service programs in Mongolia, supported by UNAIR faculty and researchers. The Mongolian Embassy also expressed strong interest in medical training partnerships as part of Mongolia’s efforts to enhance its healthcare workforce. UNAIR Hospital voiced full support for this initiative.

“We are open to hosting Mongolian students and medical professionals who want to study various disease cases, including tropical diseases or conditions that may not be present in Mongolia.” In addition, the embassy highlighted its interest in collaborating on halal certification through UNAIR’s Halal Center. Both sides expressed optimism that the meeting would pave the way for future partnerships in academic development and healthcare. They hope the discussions will lead to concrete programs that strengthen cooperation between Indonesia and Mongolia.

Tuli Mengaji with YRCM

The Rumah Ceria Medan Foundation (YRCM), an inclusive school in Medan, serves as a place to meet the educational needs of children with disabilities. It was founded by Yuli Yanika, fondly known as Uye, and Risa Riskayanti, co-founder and secretary of YRCM, who is an alumnus of the University of North Sumatra (USU) Communication Science program. At this school, sign language is one of the languages required for communication. The Rumah Ceria Medan Foundation is located at Jl. Bunga Cempaka VII No. 41 Y, Padang Bulan Selayang II, Medan Selayang District, Medan City, North Sumatra.

Uye’s interest in the world of disability originated from his childhood experiences growing up close to children with disabilities. This closeness eventually fostered empathy and a strong desire in her to create a learning space that is friendly to all children.

Uye’s journey in disability activities began in 2013 when she worked as a teacher at a nature school. It was there that she realised the wide communication gap between children with disabilities and those without. She saw how children with disabilities often struggled to express themselves and be accepted in social interactions. Driven by this concern, Uye eventually established a creativity workshop as a platform for children with disabilities to channel their talents and expressions.

Together with her friends who are members of a community that cares for people with disabilities, she opened various classes through the creativity studio, ranging from dance and photography classes to learning activities designed to build children’s self-confidence. The creativity studio activities are held regularly every week and have become a warm place for many children with disabilities in the neighborhood where she lives.

Starting from the creativity studio, an inclusive school called Yayasan Rumah Ceria Medan was established in 2019. Rumah Ceria Medan is expected to become a nature school where children can learn freely, close to the environment, and grow without limits.

YRCM has grown into an inclusive school that provides learning opportunities for children with and without disabilities. This school not only focuses on academic aspects, but also on character education, empathy, and independence. Uye believes that true education is when every child does not look at their physical condition, so they can learn with a sense of security and be accepted for who they are.

As one of the inclusive schools in the city of Medan, YRCM offers various educational programs that can help children with disabilities without discrimination, one of which is the Tuli Mengaji program. This program is the first of its kind in Medan City, making it a pioneer and inspiration for other schools.

Not only deaf children, but this activity is also open to children without disabilities. This program is routinely held every Ramadan and lasts for 11 days. During the first 8 days, the children will learn to recite the Quran, and the remaining 3 days will be spent camping at the school for in-depth learning.

During the program, the children will start learning to recite the Quran at 3 p.m. until breaking the fast. Each child will also have their own learning targets so that a high level of enthusiasm will arise in their hearts. This activity is usually held in the second week of Ramadan and takes place at the Rumah Ceria Foundation in Medan.

Tuli Mengaji was created because of YRCM’s concern for children with disabilities who cannot even recite the Quran and understand what it is. They do not understand who God is and question whether God is male or female. The lack of literacy among children with disabilities is the fundamental reason why this educational program was started.

Teaching the deaf to recite the Quran is not only carried out during Ramadan. Every morning, the children are taught by teachers to recite the Quran or when learning activities have been completed. Every Friday, the school also holds Quran recitation activities as a form of in-depth learning.

Every teacher who will teach in this program will receive training from the Ministry of Religious Affairs. After obtaining permission from the training, each teacher can teach in the Deaf Recitation program.

Through the Tuli Mengaji program, YRCM serves as a school that promotes equality between people with and without disabilities. It is hoped that this positive initiative will continue and inspire others. 

Through the Deaf Recitation program, YRCM is present as a school that provides equality between people with and without disabilities. Hopefully, this positive activity can continue and become a positive inspiration for others.

8th IUT Commencement Ceremony Held

▲Graduates celebrate with the traditional cap-tossing ceremony at the 8th Commencement Ceremony of Inha University in Tashkent (IUT).

Inha university held the 8th Commencement Ceremony of Inha University in Tashkent (IUT) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on the 23rd.

This year, 307 graduates received their degrees, joined by their families and friends in celebration. Among them, 213 students from the School of Computer and Information Engineering earned their degrees through the 4+0 joint curriculum program, while 75 students from the School of Business and Logistics completed a 3+1 joint program to obtain degrees from our university. Additionally, 19 MBA students received graduate-level degrees after completing the 1+1 joint program operated with our Graduate School of Business.

The ceremony was attended by President Myeong Woo Cho; Sung Yong-rak, Chair of the Jungseok-Inha Foundation; Managing Director Kim Yun-hwi; National Assembly members Kim Kyo-heung, Yang Moon-suk, and Jin Jong-oh; Korean Ambassador to Uzbekistan Won Do-yeon; Uzbekistan’s Minister of Digital Technologies Sherzod Shermatov; and IUT President Bobur Abdullaev, all of whom congratulated the graduates.

At the ceremony, Tursunova Mokhira Botir Kiz received the Jungseok-Inha Foundation Chairman’s Award for graduating as valedictorian, while Yuldashev Komiljon and Abdullajanov Azizjon received the President’s Award.

IUT was established in 2014 in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. It is recognized as Korea’s first successful case of exporting a full university-level education system, pioneering initiatives such as the 3+1 visiting education program and 4+0 joint curriculum model.

Under the university’s strong academic framework, IUT produced its first graduating class in 2018, and now—with this year’s ceremony—has educated and sent more than 2,300 students into various fields of society.

Most graduates have secured employment at leading local IT companies, state-owned enterprises, and government agencies, solidifying IUT’s status as one of Uzbekistan’s top institutions.

In his congratulatory address, President Myeong Woo Cho stated, “Since their founding, Inha University and IUT have walked together with the shared mission of nurturing global talent,” adding, “The knowledge and experiences you have gained at IUT will become a driving force for the future of Uzbekistan.”

성용락 정석인하학원 이사장이 제8회 타슈켄트 인하대학교(Inha University in Tashkent·IUT) 학위수여식에서 축사를 하고 있다.▲ Sung Yong-rak, Chair of the Jungseok-Inha Foundation, delivers congratulatory remarks at the 8th IUT Commencement Ceremony.

조명우 총장이 제8회 타슈켄트 인하대학교(Inha University in Tashkent·IUT) 학위수여식에서 축사를 하고 있다.▲ President Myeong Woo Cho delivers a congratulatory address at the 8th IUT Commencement Ceremony.

김교흥 국회의원이 제8회 타슈켄트 인하대학교(Inha University in Tashkent·IUT) 학위수여식에서 축사를 하고 있다.▲ National Assembly member Kim Kyo-heung delivers congratulatory remarks at the 8th IUT Commencement Ceremony.

Original Article Link

Podcast Ep: Authors & Abnormality in Japan

In this episode of Waseda University’s “Rigorous Research, Real Impact,” Graduate School of Political Science PhD student Peter sits down with Associate Professor Pau Pitarch from the Faculty of Letters, Arts and Sciences to explore how early 20th-century authors and artists in Japan reimagined their identities. Prof. Pitarch unpacks why writers in the 1920s proudly identified with mental “abnormality” as a mark of creative genius, and how global currents in psychology, art, and modernity shaped this unique cultural moment. The conversation also delves into Professor Pitarch’s personal journey into Japanese literature, the value of studying culture within Japan using a global lens, and what makes Waseda’s English-based degree programs in the Faculty of Letters, Arts and Sciences—JCulP and Global-J—such vibrant spaces for international learning and discovery.

“Rigorous Research, Real Impact” is available for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and

YouTube. It’s a great choice for international listeners considering attending university in Japan, current students contemplating challenging themselves in graduate school, and researchers interested in Japan and potentially working for a university that stresses the importance of interdisciplinary approaches

One episode released every two weeks.

*Please note the schedule is subject to change.

■Episode 7(Release date: 2025/12/16):

 Professor Alex Coad (Faculty of Commerce)—

“University vs. Corporate Startups: A Tale of Two Entrepreneurial Paths”

■Episode 8(Release date: 2026/1/13):  

Professor Yuhee Jung (Faculty of Social Sciences)—

“Institutionalized Socialization: How Companies Help Newcomers Belong”

   Professor Yuhee Jung (Faculty of Social Sciences)—

“Institutionalized Socialization: How Companies Help Newcomers Belong”

Thammasat Studies ‘Ko’ Thai Fabric

Thammasat University is researching “Thai textiles in Tambon Ko, Lamphun Province” (within Mae Ping National Park) to promote community sustainability. The initiative aims to add value through new patterns, tailoring, and innovations, supporting the fashion industry and creative economy in line with Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother’s royal initiatives.

 

Asst. Prof. Dr. Wuthigrai Siriphon, Assoc. Dean, Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Thammasat University, noted the continuous growth of Thailand’s creative economy, projected to exceed 1.44 trillion baht in 2024 and create nearly 1 million jobs, particularly in the in-demand fashion and textile sectors. This growth is attributed to the Queen Mother’s initiatives, which established a complete ecosystem for Thai textiles, promoting usage and stable professions.

 

The research team, led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Wuthigrai and Dr. Nalinee Nattithammakorn, is developing a holistic design concept for community handicraft products, focusing on textiles from Ko Subdistrict, the only community in Mae Ping National Park. This supports local livelihoods, enhances product value, and promotes appropriate natural resource use to reduce wildfire and PM2.5 risks.

 

Ko Subdistrict’s community uniquely controls its textile production process from upstream (cotton cultivation) to downstream (sales). The research provides knowledge, skill development (pattern design, sewing), and natural dyeing techniques (Padauk and Pegaga bark) to create new garment lines and income, along with providing equipment.

 

These efforts have enhanced skills, increased product variety, value, and income, and utilize environmentally friendly production, aligning with SDGs (Goals 11, 12, and 15). The resulting garments have been exhibited at various events, including Bangkok Design Week and the National Research Expo, and will be shown at Chiangmai Design Week.

 

Currently, the textile creations are part of the rotating sustainability exhibition (SDGs) Phase 2, “Sustainable Cities and Communities,” featuring over 40 works from social sciences and humanities faculties. The exhibition runs from November 2025 to February 2026 at the SDG Lab, Thammasat University, Rangsit Campus, open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Interested individuals can book a visit online. The exhibition covers five zones: Climate Change, Sustainable Cities, Circular Economy, Agriculture/Food/Health, and Diversity/Equity/Inclusion.