UNAIR students conduct fieldwork at UPM

In an effort to broaden its global reach, Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) continues to send students from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPK) to participate in academic programs at the Institute of Bioscience (IBS) Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). One of these initiatives is the international fieldwork practice (PKL). The one-month program, held from October 28 to November 24, 2025, included seven students organized into two groups. The participants were Febrina Maria Vienna Pardede, Elisa Calista Paulin Sitanggang, Aulia Mahdavikia Syaharani, Sahna, Lutfiana Puspitasari, Naura Nada Kamelia, and Kayla Satvaya.

Febrina Pardede explained that the PKL program is part of FPK’s mandatory curriculum. What sets the international PKL apart from its domestic counterpart, she noted, is that students gain the chance to intern with FPK’s overseas partners and engage directly in scientific research projects. “We conducted a study on a symbiotic formulation combining probiotics from Lactobacillus plantarum L20 and prebiotics derived from Sargassum polycystum. This mixture will be used in vannamei shrimp feed to improve shrimp health,” she said.

She added that the PKL experience was highly meaningful for her. In addition to gaining hands-on scientific research experience, the project is expected to be published in a scientific journal, and her team will have the opportunity to serve as co-authors. “This program also introduced us to new research knowledge and practices, especially since we had never before participated directly in a study with such detailed requirements and procedures. The project also helped prepare us for the research we will undertake in our undergraduate theses,” she said.

She also highlighted that her team received strong support from both the faculty and the university. According to her, FPK offered extensive guidance and assistance throughout the program. Additionally, the warm reception from UPM and the new insights shared by its researchers made the experience even more memorable. “There is no harm in trying something new, because opportunities like this rarely come twice. Meeting new people and gaining new experiences are incredibly valuable. Don’t be afraid to grow, take every opportunity that comes your way, including programs like this PKL,” she concluded.

UNAIR FV hosts ICAE with UiTM Melaka

Universitas Airlangga‘s The Faculty of Vocational Studies (FV) has organized an Inbound Collaborative Academic Engagement (ICAE) program to advance international academic cooperation. The initiative was spearheaded by the D4 Digital Office Management Study Program in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Cawangan Melaka, Malaysia. The ICAE is structured as a series of joint activities running from January through April 2026. Vice Dean III of UNAIR Faculty of Vocational Studies, dr. Lailatul Muqmiroh, SpRad Subsp RI (K), highlighted the program’s strategic value for institutional growth.

“ICAE provides a key platform for expanding the Faculty of Vocational Studies’ global network. Through this collaboration, we aim to strengthen the quality of instruction, research, and skills development across our academic community,” dr. Muqmiroh said.

ICAE benchmarking marks the first phase of academic cooperation

A central component of the ICAE program was a benchmarking session held on Tuesday (January 27, 2026). The event was part of the Staff Inbound Full-time Program and included a visit from UiTM faculty members. Discussions focused on the management of the Digital Office Management Applied Bachelor’s Degree Program, its curriculum framework, and courses designed to build competencies in records management and office information systems.

Erindah Dimisqiyani, SAB, MAB, coordinator of the Digital Office Management Applied Bachelor’s Degree Program, explained why UiTM Melaka was selected as a partner. “Our academic disciplines closely align, allowing the benchmarking process to be both focused and productive. This partnership has also been established previously and will continue to be expanded,” she said.

During the presentations, the UNAIR team outlined the program’s curriculum design, expected learning outcomes, and hands-on learning experiences offered to students. Key topics included records management, business correspondence, office information systems, the integration of artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurial practice through Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).

The discussions also produced several preliminary agreements and plans for continued dialogue between UiTM Cawangan Melaka and the Faculty of Vocational Studies at UNAIR. The benchmarking and teaching mobility sessions were attended by 15 active lecturers from UiTM Melaka’s Office Management Study Program, alongside all faculty members from UNAIR’s Digital Office Management Applied Bachelor’s Degree Program. The collaboration is expected to move toward concrete outcomes, including the preparation of a memorandum of understanding to support sustained inter-program cooperation. 

UNAIR strengthens collaboration with IJN UC

Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) continues to strengthen its global engagement in healthcare and higher education. During an official visit to the Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) Hospital and IJN University College (IJN UC) Malaysia on Wednesday (February 4, 2026), UNAIR expanded its strategic partnerships covering medical training, cardiovascular research, and patient-centered services.

The delegation was led by UNAIR Rector alongside senior university leaders. Their presence underscored the university’s commitment to forging international partnerships that are practical, sustainable, and capable of delivering long-term impact.

At the meeting, UNAIR conveyed its appreciation for the effective implementation of the existing Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), particularly the fellowship programs for healthcare professionals. The university also welcomed the ongoing transition in the management of the fellowship scheme, previously facilitated through IJN University College, viewing it as a step toward stronger academic coordination and improved educational standards.

In his address, UNAIR Rector Prof. Dr. Muhammad Madyan, SE, MSi, MFin said the meeting marked a key opportunity to align perspectives while widening cross-faculty cooperation. “This meeting allows us to harmonize our understanding and further develop collaborative initiatives with the Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Nursing, Faculty of Psychology, and the Faculty of Public Health,” he said.

The discussion between UNAIR and IJN was open and productive, focusing on the preparation of a revised cooperation framework to guide collaboration over the next five years. Both institutions agreed to reinforce a partnership that extends beyond academic exchange to produce measurable improvements in healthcare delivery.

In addition to strengthening existing initiatives, UNAIR proposed expanding collaboration into several priority areas. These include clinical observation and patient services to raise the standard of cardiac care, joint cardiovascular research, academic exchanges for staff and students through IJN University College, and specialized nursing training programs emphasizing critical care, operating room practices, and cardiovascular expertise.

Concluding the meeting, Prof. Madyan expressed optimism that UNAIR, IJN Hospital, and IJN University College would cultivate a long-term partnership integrating education, research, and healthcare services. He noted that such collaboration is expected to advance medical science while contributing to better quality of life for communities in Indonesia and Malaysia alike.

MoA between Bakrie Uni and Leeds Beckett Uni

Bakrie University, Indonesia, has officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Leeds Beckett University, UK, as a strategic step to strengthen international cooperation in higher education. The signing of this MoA marks the start of a collaborative double degree program for the Informatics and Management Study Programs.

Leeds Beckett University was represented by Dominic Ramsden, Head of Academic Quality Enhancement, and Liam Howarth, Regional Manager for East and Southeast Asia. Both expressed Leeds Beckett University’s commitment to maintaining academic quality standards and expanding strategic partnerships in the Southeast Asian region through transnational education (TNE) schemes.

Meanwhile, the Bakrie University delegation was led by Rector Prof. Sofia Alisjahbana, accompanied by Tri Pujadi Susilo (Vice Rector I) and Dr. Muhammad Tri Andika Kurniawan (Vice Rector II). Also in attendance were Dr. Mohammad Ihsan (Dean of the Faculty of Information and Creative Technology), Prof. Dudi Rudianto (Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences), Dr. Iwan Adhicandra (Head of Informatics), Safrilah (Director of Quality Assurance), Kurniati Putri Haeirina (Head of Public Relations and Cooperation), and Holilla Hatta (Director of the International Office). Also present were representatives from Noble Solutions, Michael Noble and Hoang Nam Pham.

This double degree collaboration includes curriculum alignment, academic quality assurance, credit recognition, and an integrated study scheme that allows students to complete their studies at Bakrie University in accordance with Leeds Beckett University’s academic standards. The program is designed to equip students with global competencies, international experience, and readiness to enter the global workforce.

Bakrie University Rector, Prof. Sofia Alisjahbana, stated that the signing of the MoA demonstrates the university’s commitment to providing international-class education. “Collaboration with Leeds Beckett University opens up strategic opportunities for students to gain global academic experience without having to leave Indonesia entirely,” she said.

With the signing of this MoA, Bakrie University and Leeds Beckett University affirm their shared vision of strengthening the internationalization of higher education and offering double degree programs focused on quality, global relevance, and graduate competitiveness.

IPB Strengthens Research with KOICA-ICAB

IPB University, in collaboration with Seoul National University (SNU) supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), continues to advance the KOICA–ICAB Project: Capacity Building for the Center for Agriculture and Bioscience of IPB University in Indonesia. 

This seven-year initiative (2022–2028), valued at USD11 million, aims to establish the National Instrumentation Center for Agriculture and Bioscience (NICAB) as a national shared research facility supporting innovation, advanced research, and sustainable development.

Since its launch in 2022, the project has focused on strengthening research facilities and infrastructures, as well as enhancing human resource capacity and fostering innovation in the green biosciences. Key activities include the construction of new laboratories, the modernization of existing facilities, and the provision of advanced academic and professional training programs. The project supports IPB University’s mission to become a leading center of excellence in bioscience and environmental management.



As of October 2025, several major milestones have been achieved. The architectural design for the NICAB building has been finalized, the Advanced Research Laboratory (ARLab) remodeling has been completed, and the Animal Cell Culture Laboratory was officially inaugurated during the second KOICA–ICAB Steering Committee Meeting in September 2025. In addition, eight training programs have been conducted, four IPB faculty members are currently pursuing Ph.D. degrees at SNU, and three faculty members from the National University of East Timor (UNTL) are undertaking graduate studies at IPB University, one of whom completed an M.Sc. last year.

The beneficiaries of the project include IPB faculty members, researchers, and students, as well as academic partners from Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa’e (UNTL), Timor-Leste. With active involvement from Indonesia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology; Ministry of Forestry; and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN); the KOICA–ICAB project also strengthens cooperation between academia, industry, and government. 

Through the KOICA–ICAB Project, IPB University reinforces its role as a leading center of excellence in agriculture and bioscience, while further deepening cooperation between Indonesia and the Republic of Korea. By 2028, NICAB is expected to be fully operated as a national shared research facility.

and bioscience, while further deepening cooperation between Indonesia and the Republic of Korea. By 2028, NICAB is expected to be fully operated as a national shared research facility.

Chinese Ethnic at Cultural Festival

The Department of Social Anthropology of the University of North Sumatra (USU) held the Anthropology Cultural Festival 2025 on Wednesday, 19 November 2025. This annual cultural event carried the theme “The Vibrancy of Chinese Ethnic Culture in Medan City,” highlighting the historical and cultural presence of the Chinese ethnic community in Indonesia. As one of the ethnic groups with a long history of interaction across Asia, the Chinese community in Medan has been closely intertwined with the city’s social dynamics for centuries.

 

To enrich the festival, the 2025 program featured a seminar discussing the role and contributions of the Chinese ethnic community in the development of Medan. The event was attended by representatives from the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Medan, Bobby Christian Halim from Mitsu, as well as lecturers and students from the Social Anthropology Program at USU.

Overall, the Anthropology Cultural Festival aims to foster mutual understanding, strengthen a sense of brotherhood, and promote tolerance within the diverse society of Medan.

Research talk on nurses mobility

Global healthcare workforce mobility is no longer a distant issue—it is happening now. Research Center in Advancing Community Healthcare (REACH) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) on Friday (Feb. 13, 2026), held a discussion that underscored REACH’s commitment as a research hub actively fostering scholarly dialogue on global health issues and international health workforce policy.

The discussion invited participants to look beyond the statistics surrounding the migration of Indonesian nurses to Germany, framing it not merely as a numerical trend but as a lived experience shaped by both significant opportunities and complex challenges.Germany is currently experiencing a high demand for nurses, leading to global recruitment efforts, including partnerships with Indonesia. Through coordination with BP2MI, Indonesian nurses are deployed under an official government-to-government (G-to-G) scheme. 

However, entering the German labor market remains complex. One of the most challenging yet crucial requirements is achieving B2-level German language proficiency. Nurses must pass the examination to obtain certification before practicing professionally.

The session also explored structural disparities in nurse capacity between Indonesia and Germany, illustrating the push and pull factors that drive migration. Prof. Alexander Loch introduced the “migration circle” framework, covering pre-departure preparation, recruitment processes, and post-placement phases including reintegration. Findings from his recent survey reveal that many Indonesian nurses in Germany report positive job satisfaction and improved financial conditions. 

Findings from his recent survey show that many Indonesian nurses in Germany report positive work satisfaction and improved financial conditions. Supportive work environments and strong diaspora networks contribute to smoother adaptation. However, language barriers, cultural differences, limited promotion opportunities, and occasional experiences of discrimination remain challenges. The researcher observed that Indonesian nurses in Germany are increasingly forming alliances and networks to help ease adaptation

In closing, he emphasized that migration should not only be viewed through the lens of “brain drain,” but also as part of a dynamic global exchange. With structured preparation, strong language skills, and institutional support, international nursing mobility can create sustainable benefits for both origin and destination countries.

Alongside that, he also encouraged participants to explore scholarship and study opportunities through www.daad.de, noting that Germany offers both traditional research universities and universities of applied sciences. 

UNAIR hosts Embassy of Sweden Jakarta

Universitas Airlangga’s Airlangga Global Engagement (AGE) is strengthening its internationalization efforts by expanding global partnerships and overseeing student exchange and international research initiatives. As part of that push, UNAIR welcomed an official delegation from the Embassy of Sweden Jakarta on Friday (Feb. 13, 2026) at the Banteng Room, ASEEC Tower, Dharmawangsa-B Campus. The delegation was led by H.E.Daniel Blockert, Ambassador of Sweden to Indonesia, Timor-Leste and ASEAN, accompanied by three embassy representatives. They were received by UNAIR’s senior leadership and officials from AGE.

Vice Rector for Academic, Student and Alumni Affairs Prof. Ir. Mochammad Amin Alamsjah, MSi, PhD, opened the discussion with an overview of UNAIR and its strategic priorities. He said the meeting could pave the way for stronger research ties and institutional cooperation. “We hope this dialogue will create broader opportunities to build collaboration between Indonesian and Swedish students,” he said.

Ambassador Blockert highlighted the growing potential for partnerships between Swedish and Indonesian institutions. Interest in cooperation, he noted, has increased steadily in recent years. “In terms of education, I see strong interest from Swedish universities and institutions in finding partners here. There is broad interest in Southeast Asia, but many are specifically looking at Indonesia,” he said.

He added that Indonesian students have significant opportunities to take part in exchange programs, as many Swedish universities are actively seeking candidates from Indonesia. “They are highly valued and popular among universities. Indonesian students are known for being ambitious and for making the most of their academic opportunities,” he said.

During the session, several faculty leaders presented their flagship programs to explore potential collaboration with Swedish counterparts. The faculties represented included Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Economics and Business, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Nursing.

Responding to the presentations, Ambassador Blockert emphasized the mutual benefits of deeper engagement. He pointed out that much of Sweden’s research focuses on sustainability, environmental challenges and technological solutions, areas that require international collaboration, shared data and diverse expertise. Indonesia’s scale and complexity, he said, make it an important partner.

MoU Bakrie Uni and Malaysian Universities

Bakrie University, Indonesia, is expanding its international collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Letter of Intent (LoI) with several universities and research centers in Malaysia. The collaboration was represented by the Head of the Informatics Study Program at Bakrie University, Ir. Iwan Adhicandra, Ph.D.

The visit and signing of this collaboration are part of the APTIKOM Academic Visit and Collaboration, an international academic collaboration program involving 21 universities from Indonesia. This program aims to strengthen networks between universities, encourage cross-border research collaboration, and open opportunities for faculty and student mobility.

Bakrie University’s collaboration in Malaysia includes the Institute of Visual Informatics, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in Bangi, Selangor; the Faculty of Computing, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in Johor Bahru; and the Faculty of Artificial Intelligence, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in Kuala Lumpur. Furthermore, the collaboration includes INTI International University in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, and UCSI University in Kuala Lumpur.

In addition to higher education institutions, Bakrie University also collaborates with non-academic partners, namely the Kuala Lumpur-based Centre for AI, Blockchain & Advanced Research (CABAR). This collaboration is expected to strengthen synergy between academia and industry, particularly in the development and application of artificial intelligence, blockchain, and advanced digital technologies.

According to Ir. Iwan Adhicandra, Ph.D., Bakrie University’s involvement in the APTIKOM program is a strategic step to expand international collaboration, directly impacting the quality of education and research. “Collaboration with leading faculties and research centers in Malaysia opens up opportunities for joint research development, faculty and student exchanges, and curriculum alignment with global needs,” he said.

The scope of the collaboration includes the development of joint educational programs, collaborative research and scientific publications, organizing international seminars and conferences, and opportunities to open international classes. Bakrie University hopes this collaboration will improve the competitiveness of graduates while strengthening the contribution of Indonesian higher education institutions in the Southeast Asian region.

UNAIR attends 2025 Rector’s Conference

The 2025 Rector’s Conference at the OIC-COMSTECH Secretariat in Islamabad on Wednesday (Dec 3, 2025) served as a key opportunity for Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) to reinforce its strategic role within the global higher education landscape. Across discussion panels, university forums, and the COMSTECH Consortium of Excellence (CCoE) meeting, UNAIR positioned itself as a drive for solving global issues, particularly through collaborative research, technological innovation, international talent management, and community-engagement networks. The UNAIR delegation was led by Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Community Development (RICD) Prof Dr Muhammad Miftahussurur SpPD-KGEH PhD; Executive Secretary of the World University Association for Community Development (WUACD), Prof Dr Ni Nyoman Tri Puspaningsih MSi; and Head of UNAIR’s LPJPHKI, Prof Ferry Efendi SKep Ns MSc PhD. Their presence also marked Indonesia’s representation in global academic diplomacy.

The conference opened with a welcome address from COMSTECH HE Coordinator General Prof Dr M Iqbal Choudhary, who underscored the importance of strengthening cross-border partnerships in science and technology. The event provided a strategic venue for cultivating a global innovation ecosystem responsive to technological change, interdisciplinary research demands, and the development of highly skilled talent.

During the Introduction of International Universities session, UNAIR outlined its achievements and strategic priorities. These included research transformation, enhanced scientific publication quality, innovation downstreaming, and expanded international partnerships. Representing UNAIR, Prof Miftahussurur reaffirmed the university’s contributions to the global academic ecosystem. “UNAIR views COMSTECH as a crucial platform for widening research collaboration, academic mobility, and science-based innovation. These efforts support talent capacity-building and strengthen Indonesia’s visibility in international higher education networks,” he stated.

As Executive Secretary of WUACD, Prof Ni Nyoman Tri Puspaningsih highlighted the organization’s progress, achievements, and potential areas for collaboration with COMSTECH. She explained that WUACD focuses on community development, social transformation, and using research to improve societal well-being. Collaboration with COMSTECH opens opportunities in several areas, including research-based community development programs, cross-border capacity-building initiatives, technology-driven community empowerment, and multidisciplinary projects that involve member universities from both networks.

Prof Puspaningsih emphasized that integrating WUACD and COMSTECH strengths can amplify the social impact of university research. The partnership would also reinforce UNAIR’s standing as a global leader in community-based education and social innovation. “This collaboration strengthens international community-development networks and ensures research delivers real benefits rather than ending solely in publications,” she said.

The international gathering also featured two key discussion sessions. The first, Character-Based Leadership and Academic Ethics Foundation, explored a Prophetic Character-Based Leadership model centered on integrity, empathy, discipline, and responsibility. These principles are considered vital for strengthening academic leadership and fostering an ethical research culture, including in cross-border talent management.

The second session, Future Universities – Society, Economy, and Industry Nexus, examined how universities must evolve amid digital transformation, innovation-driven economic shifts, and global industrial demands. The discussion addressed adaptation to the digital and AI revolutions, stronger industry partnerships, accelerated innovation commercialization, transdisciplinary learning models, and aligning research with global social and economic needs. UNAIR’s innovation ecosystem, comprised of AGE, DRI, LPJPHKI, LIHTR, PASINBIS, LPMB, and various leading research centers, was highlighted as a model that partner universities could emulate.

During the annual meeting, discussions centered on the need for a comprehensive, collaborative, and flexible system for managing global research and innovation talent. UNAIR stressed the importance of a strategic framework involving talent identification, competency development, academic mobility, and diaspora engagement to strengthen global research cooperation. This framework aligns with international trends emphasizing talent mobility, collaborative research networks, and cross-border innovation ecosystems.