FIB UNAIR expands partnerships with UKM

The Faculty of Humanities (FIB) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) has further strengthened its international engagement by signing an Implementation Agreement with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) on Monday (November 17, 2025). The signing ceremony was held at the Centre for Research in Language and Linguistics, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, UKM, a regional hub widely regarded as a leader in linguistic and language studies in Southeast Asia.

The agreement represents a concrete follow-up to the shared commitment of both institutions to deepen cooperation in academic programs, research collaboration, and international mobility. Conducted in a collegial and productive setting, the meeting marked the start of a broader, long-term partnership between UNAIR and UKM.

Representing FIB UNAIR, Rizki Andini, S.Pd., M.Litt., PhD, and Nunuk Endah Srimulyani, SS, MA, PhD, were formally welcomed by senior representatives of UKM. The delegation was received by Prof. Dr. Nor Fariza Mohd Nor, Chairperson of the Centre for Research in Language and Linguistics, alongside Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Suhaimi Mohamad, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ashinida Aladdin, Head of the Foreign Languages and Translation Unit.

During the discussion, both universities outlined their institutional visions, flagship initiatives, and prospective areas of collaboration. UKM expressed strong interest in expanding cooperation with UNAIR, particularly in language studies, cross-border teaching initiatives, and multidisciplinary research projects.

The signing of the Implementation Agreement paves the way for a series of collaborative programs slated for near-term implementation. Several initiatives were formally introduced and agreed upon by both parties, including:

1. Virtual Teaching and Learning (Joint Classes)

This virtual joint-class initiative allows students from both universities to participate in courses co-taught by faculty members from FIB UNAIR and UKM. The program is designed to broaden students’ academic exposure to language studies, cultural perspectives, and international research methodologies.

2. Staff Outbound and Academic Mobility

Faculty collaboration will include teaching visits, academic workshops, and professional development activities. The program offers FIB UNAIR lecturers opportunities to strengthen international networks and gain first-hand experience within UKM’s academic environment.

3. Student Exchange Program

FIB UNAIR students will be eligible to take part in short-term or full-semester exchange programs at UKM. The initiative aims to enrich students’ learning experiences while enhancing their global awareness and intercultural competence.

4. Master’s Scholarship Opportunities through the Graduate on Time (GOT) Scheme

A key component of the agreement is the availability of master’s degree scholarships for FIB UNAIR students. Through UKM’s Graduate On Time (GOT) scheme, students are encouraged to complete their studies within the designated timeframe, supported by intensive academic supervision and strong research facilities. The program presents a valuable pathway for UNAIR graduates to pursue advanced studies in Malaysia with competitive funding.

5. Research Collaboration and Matching Fund

UKM also introduced opportunities for research matching funds, enabling joint financing for collaborative research between UNAIR and UKM scholars. The scheme supports regionally and internationally oriented research, particularly in applied linguistics, cultural studies, language education, and other interdisciplinary fields.

This partnership forms part of UNAIR’s broader strategy to accelerate academic internationalization. Collaboration between FIB UNAIR and UKM is expected not only to enhance the global standing of both institutions, but also to generate tangible benefits for their academic communities through research, teaching, and capacity-building initiatives. The agreement also opens avenues for international conferences, joint publications, curriculum development, and sustained scholarly exchange.