UNAIR hosts U.S. Embassy delegation

Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) hosted a delegation from the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta and the U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya to reinforce strategic cooperation in education, research, and community engagement. The meeting took place in the Rector’s Meeting Room at UNAIR’s MERR-C Campus in Surabaya on Wednesday (January 21, 2025). UNAIR Rector Prof. Dr. Muhammad Madyan, SE, MSi, MFin, together with senior university leaders, welcomed the delegation led by Mr. Anup Mahajan, General Public Engagement Specialist at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta. The visit provided a platform to explore long-term collaboration opportunities between UNAIR and U.S.-affiliated academic institutions and programs.

In his opening remarks, Rector Prof. Muhammad Madyan emphasized UNAIR’s strong commitment to international cooperation, particularly with the U.S. Embassy, which has supported various academic and capacity-building initiatives over the years. He said the partnership aligns closely with UNAIR’s aspiration to be recognized as a world-class university. “UNAIR is dedicated to broadening its global engagement. Collaboration with the U.S. Embassy not only facilitates academic mobility but also advances research and innovation that deliver meaningful benefits to society,” Prof. Madyan said.

He also highlighted the continued importance of initiatives such as the American Corner, which function as hubs for knowledge sharing, cultural exchange, and the promotion of global perspectives within the university community. Opportunities for Joint Programs Speaking on behalf of the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, Mr. Anup Mahajan expressed appreciation for UNAIR’s hospitality and noted the embassy’s openness to expanding cooperation, particularly in STEM education and capacity-building programs for students and faculty.

“We regard UNAIR as a key strategic partner. There is significant potential for flexible collaboration through American Spaces, educational initiatives, and programs that engage both students and researchers,” Mr. Mahajan said.

Separately, UNAIR Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Community Development (RICD), Prof. Dr. Muhammad Miftahussurur, dr., Sp.PD-KGEH, PhD, underscored the importance of international partnerships in strengthening research quality and community outreach. “This collaboration is expected to be integrated into UNAIR’s curriculum and research priorities, ensuring tangible contributions to scientific advancement and public benefit,” he said.

The meeting concluded with both UNAIR and the U.S. Embassy expressing their shared commitment to developing concrete steps for future collaboration, while enhancing the role of higher education in responding to global challenges.