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WUACD COMSTECH collaboration addresses SDGs

Posted on by Universitas Airlangga News

The Rector of Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), Prof. Dr. Muhammad Madyan, SE, MSi, MFin, welcomed a delegation from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (OIC–COMSTECH) on Tuesday (December 16, 2025). The visit followed a strategic meeting between the World University Association for Community Development (WUACD) and COMSTECH held the previous day. As President of WUACD, Prof. Madyan conveyed his deep appreciation to H.E. Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary Mustafa, Coordinator General of OIC–COMSTECH, for his continued engagement and collaboration.

“Allow me to extend a warm welcome to His Excellency Professor Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of the OIC COMSTECH, to Universitas Airlangga. Your presence today is a great honor for us, and a strong reflection of the close and growing partnership between OIC – COMSTECH, WUACD, and Universitas Airlangga.,” the Rector said.

The meeting was attended by Associate Professor Dr. Humeraa Jahan, Secretary of OIC–COMSTECH; Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Community Development and WUACD Chairperson, Prof. dr. Muhammad Miftahussurur, MKes, SpPD-KGEH, PhD; Vice Rector for the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Business Development, Prof. Dr. Koko Srimulyo, Drs., MSi; WUACD Executive Secretary, Prof. Dr. Ni Nyoman Tri Puspaningsih, MSi; Director of Airlangga Global Engagement (AGE), Irfan Wahyudi, SSos, MComm, PhD; Secretary of the Institute for Sustainable Community Service (LPMB), Dr. Nurina Fitriani, ST; along with several faculty representatives.

Discussions centered on expanding collaboration among COMSTECH, WUACD, and Universitas Airlangga, particularly in faculty and student exchanges, joint research initiatives, capacity development, community engagement, and sustainability-focused programs. During the meeting, H.E. Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary Mustafa, together with Prof. Miftahussurur and Prof. Puspaningsih, briefed the Rector on key outcomes of the strategic meeting held a day earlier. Student mobility emerged as one of the main proposals.

“I’d suggest that ten students from Universitas Airlangga visit Pakistan, including five who are active bloggers. All expenses will be fully covered. write about universities in Pakistan and participate in workshops there. They will represent Universitas Airlangga and introduce UNAIR through videos and presentations to Pakistani students. This initiative will be the first of its kind,” Prof. Mustafa said.

In a separate interview with LPMB UNAIR Secretary Dr. Nurina Fitriani, ST, H.E. Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary Mustafa underscored the urgency of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), warning that many countries are unlikely to meet their targets by 2030. “There are two important things. First, achieving the SDGs depends heavily on science and technology, whether in clean energy, healthcare, universal education, or food security. Every country has to understand that in orderto achieve SDGs, they need to deploy science and technology,” Prof. Mustafa said.

“Second, there are many areas in which countries can work together. So international collaboration is important. Some countries have made significant progress toward the SDGs, while many others have not. As humans living in this planet, it is important for us to develop together. Without collaboration, progress will be impossible. International cooperation is critical for global peace, security, and for achieveing the SDGs,” he added.

Prof. Mustafa also highlighted ongoing efforts by OIC–COMSTECH in partnership with WUACD and Universitas Airlangga, noting that these collaborations are expected to produce concrete programs aligned with the SDGs. Planned initiatives are in disaster management, education, herbal medicine, and issues related to water scarcity.

“Everything depends on water, and water is a very interdisciplinary field. It is not only related to science, engineering, and technology, but also to social behavior and psychology, how communities perceive water as a resource and avoid wasting it, how we consume water responsibly, and how we recycle and manage it. We have discussed the possibility of building a team of experts from various disciplines to support the management of this vital resource,” explained the COMSTECH leader.

Concluding the interview, Prof. Mustafa praised the openness and commitment demonstrated by UNAIR’s leadership in supporting member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. “I consider Universitas Airlangga as a focused center for development many OIC countries. We have discussed the possibility of student exchanges, joint research, joint workshops and training programs, and joint projects, and honorable rector of this university was completely in agreement in all of these,” he said.

OIC–COMSTECH and WUACD share a common vision to advance inclusive and impactful higher education. This collaboration actively reflects both institutions’ commitment to capacity building and sustainable development through higher education. The partnership with OIC–COMSTECH also underscores the strong commitment of Universitas Airlangga and WUACD to supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Bakrie Uni’s Students attend WAW in Russia

Posted on by Bakrie University

Two students from the Informatics Program at Bakrie University, I Putu Aditya Warman and Muhammad Raffa Febrian (class of 2022), have been selected to participate in the prestigious World Atomic Week (WAW) 2025. The international forum and exhibition, recognized as the largest global event for the nuclear industry and related sectors, will take place on September 25–28, 2025, at the VDNKh (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy) in Moscow, Russia.

A Global Landmark Event

World Atomic Week 2025 is held in celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Russian nuclear industry. This milestone event combines a large-scale international forum, a thematic exhibition, and a youth scientific-educational festival under the central theme “All Begins with Atom.”

The program includes:

Plenary sessions and roundtable discussions, addressing pressing issues in the development of the nuclear industry.

International exhibitions, showcasing the latest technologies and competencies from leading global companies in nuclear and related industries.

Youth educational festival, designed to broaden young generations’ perspectives on atomic energy.

Technical tours to nuclear industry facilities and cultural activities for international participants.

Bakrie University’s Representation

By taking part in this high-profile forum, I Putu Aditya Warman and Muhammad Raffa Febrian represent Bakrie University on the global stage. Their participation highlights the university’s strong commitment to internationalization in education and its effort to provide students with global exposure.

Through this event, the students will have opportunities to:

Engage directly with international experts in the nuclear industry.

Build professional networks across technology, energy, and innovation sectors.

Deepen their understanding of nuclear energy’s role in sustainable development and technological innovation.

Support and Facilities

As international participants, both students will have full access to the entire program, including academic sessions, technology exhibitions, and cultural events. They are also supported with official forum accommodations, local transportation, and personalized participant badges.

Strategic Value for Bakrie University

The participation of Bakrie University’s Informatics students in World Atomic Week not only increases student exposure to international forums but also strengthens the university’s position as an institution actively supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in clean energy, innovation, and international collaboration.

UNAIR students conduct research in Malaysia

Posted on by Universitas Airlangga News

Strengthening its commitment to sustainable research and international collaboration, the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPK) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) has sent its students to Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sarawak, Mukah Campus. The academic exchange was conducted over two months, from October 18 to December 18, 2025.

The full-time student mobility program involved Fidela Rachmadania Azra and Andini Putri Carolina. Azra explained that the initiative centered on research aimed at transforming local fisheries resources into products with greater commercial value for the community.

“Our study focused on fisheries commodities native to the Mukah region, specifically pelata and puput fish. These species are plentiful in local waters but are often discarded by fishermen because they are seen as having little market value. Through collaboration with UiTM, our team sought to innovate by developing value-added products from these fish,” she said.

According to Azra, the key innovation developed by the UNAIR–UiTM research team was gelatin produced from pelata and puput fish. The use of these species was intended not only to raise their economic value but also to offer a halal and safe alternative to conventional gelatin products.

“This research posed significant challenges. We had to carefully define the research direction, determine suitable methodologies, and work with limited academic references, as these fish had not previously been studied for gelatin production. The findings will contribute to our undergraduate theses and are planned for publication in a Scopus-indexed journal,” she explained.

Beyond research activities, Azra noted that the team also took part in team-building sessions and academic visits to other universities during their stay at UiTM. They additionally had the opportunity to engage in collaborative testing with Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS).

“Looking ahead, we hope this research will provide a halal and safe gelatin option for consumers. At the same time, it is expected to enhance the economic value of pelata and puput fish, which were previously discarded, and help stimulate the local economy,” she said.

FISIP USU: Academic Diplomacy on Campus

Posted on by Tabitha Riyani Simbolon

The presence of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gauri Kopardekar, ICCR Chair Professor from Savitribai Phule Pune University, at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FISIP USU), demonstrates how academic activities can function as effective forms of cultural diplomacy. Her involvement in academic and cultural initiatives has positions the faculty not only as a learning environment, but also as a space for the exchange of meanings, values and perspectives across cultures, strengthening the university’s role in non-state diplomacy grounded in education and culture.

Within Communication Studies, particularly film studies, the activities facilitated by Dr. Kopardekar highlight audiovisual media as a tool for intercultural communication. Film is understood as a social text that represents culture, social relations and universal values; therefore, it can be analyzed critically in line with communication scholarship that views film not merely as entertainment, but as a medium that shapes perception, identity, and social understanding.

Through programs such as the Indian Movie Club, students interpret films through a cultural-communication lens, explore their social contexts, and reflect on parallels with Indonesian society. Post-screening discussions create space for equal intercultural dialogue while supporting the development of media literacy and cross-cultural sensitivity. In this process, cultural diplomacy emerges organically through narrative and visual storytelling, rather than through prescriptive, one-way initiatives. The programme also contributes to broader cultural understanding by preparing students to engage responsibly with global media and cross-cultural dialogue beyond the campus environment.

Reflecting on this approach, Farida Hanim, S.Sos., M.I.Kom., a lecturer in Communication Studies, explains:

“In communication studies, film holds a strategic position as a medium of cultural communication that not only conveys messages, but also shapes how audiences view social reality. Analytical engagement with film is therefore essential for opening dialogue across perspectives and cultivating critical sensitivity to representation, identity and power relations, especially in the context of Indian cinema, which once dominated Indonesian television.”

As ICCR Chair Professor, Dr. Kopardekar brings a cultural mandate that is closely integrated with academic practice. Her dialogic approach positions students as active participants in cultural communication, making the campus a dynamic meeting point of ideas and meanings rather than merely a venue for displaying foreign culture.

These engagements support the internationalisation of FISIP USU by providing contextual and globally oriented learning experiences. Students gain insight into other cultures while also reflecting on their own through the lens of communication and media. Collectively, these initiatives illustrate how cultural diplomacy on campus can be substantive, relevant, and sustainable.

UNAIR lecturer named Vice President of IUHPE

Posted on by Universitas Airlangga News

Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) faculty members continue to earn international recognition. Most recently, Dr. Sri Widati, S.Sos., M.Si., a lecturer at the Faculty of Public Health (FKM), was elected Vice President of the International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE) South West Pacific Region. She secured the post through a competitive voting process conducted by a panel of evaluators from a pool of nominees.

IUHPE is a global organization focused on advancing public health and improving quality of life worldwide. It brings together representatives from 207 countries across several regional divisions. Indonesia is part of the South West Pacific Region, which includes 22 other member countries. “This role will span approximately three years, from December 2025 through November 2028. I am eager to use this opportunity to strengthen the global presence of Indonesia and UNAIR,” she said.

In her academic career, Dr. Widati, has been deeply engaged in health promotion initiatives through the PKIP Division (Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences) and the Airlangga Health Promotion Center (AHPC). She has also played an active role in IUHPE-related conferences, including hosting the IUHPE Executive Director at UNAIR’s Happy and Healthy Symposium. “IUHPE expressed strong appreciation for UNAIR’s tangible contributions to health promotion through AHPC. I had the chance to meet with IUHPE’s leadership and present UNAIR’s health promotion programs. That experience ultimately paved the way for my appointment,” she said.

In her new capacity, Dr. Widati plans to adapt and expand health promotion initiatives that have proven effective at UNAIR and across Indonesia to the broader South West Pacific Region. She cited UNAIR’s community service programs and RSKKA as concrete examples of how health promotion can be successfully implemented at the grassroots level. “My long-term vision is to connect all countries in this region through a shared network. This will be pursued through regional IUHPE conferences combined with UNAIR symposiums that align with IUHPE’s core values. Through these efforts, we aim to elevate UNAIR’s profile on the global stage,” she explained.

Beyond her regional role, Dr. Widati also aims to strengthen health promotion efforts domestically. She plans to collaborate with organizations and professional associations working in health promotion to expand initiatives at both national and international levels. “Let us work together to advance the South West Pacific Region, with Indonesia taking an active role. Through these collective efforts, we hope to build a society that is informed, motivated, and capable of improving and sustaining its own health,” she concluded.

Academic Rally Empowers Leaders

Posted on by Tabitha Riyani Simbolon

The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Universitas Sumatera Utara (FISIP USU) held its Academic Rally to mark the faculty’s 45th anniversary, under the theme “Critical, Creative, Collaborative: Young Leaders for the Nation.” The program brought together students, alumni, and professionals from diverse sectors, encouraging participants to reflect on leadership, resilience, and the role of young people in shaping social change.

The event featured a motivational session with Meutia Yulanda, Mobile Marketing Communications Officer for the Sumatra Area at Telkomsel. She encouraged students to remain persistent and purposeful in their academic journey, stating:

“I hope this event fuels your spirit… never give up and always stay true to your goals and dreams. Study earnestly and meaningfully so you can achieve what you aspire to after graduating from USU.”

Andi Renreng, Marketing Director of Xiaomi Indonesia, shared five professional principles he considers essential for students entering the workforce: aligned communication, purposeful over-communication, sharing information with full context, avoiding assumptions, and acknowledging the contributions of others. He framed these principles as foundations for success in fast-paced, collaborative professional environments.

The programme also welcomed Usman Kansong, Special Staff to the Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI), and Mhd. Fadli, Founder of Satu Atap Communication, who attended on site. Alumni contributors joined virtually, including Doley Tobing, Fashion Stylist, and Iqbal Damanik, Climate & Energy Campaign Manager at Greenpeace Southeast Asia, enabling a dynamic exchange covering marketing, creative media, environmental communication, and public policy.

Throughout the event, students demonstrated strong engagement, actively asking questions and sharing perspectives on how critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration can be applied in real-world contexts. The discussions highlighted the synergy between universities, alumni networks, and professional communities in shaping young leaders who are adaptive, innovative, and socially responsible. This programme also had a tangible impact beyond the classroom, equipping students with skills, perspectives, and professional connections that they can apply in their future careers and wider societal contributions.

Through the Academic Rally, FISIP USU reaffirmed its commitment not only to academic excellence but also to fostering character development, creative capacity, and cross-sector collaboration. The program underscored that Indonesia’s young generation is ready to contribute actively to socio-political development and national transformation.

Students expand global perspective at UniKL

Posted on by Universitas Airlangga News

Nineteen students from the Department of Business, Faculty of Vocational Studies (FV), Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), participated in a series of international academic activities hosted by Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), Malaysia. The program, held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, was designed to enhance students’ global perspectives through a Guest Lecture Series focused on key economic and business issues.

The discussions addressed a range of timely topics, including community-based tourism, innovations in tax literacy, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, and the transformation of the Islamic industry. Program coordinator Arhamu Zafi Arrusyda explained the considerations behind choosing UniKL as the partner institution.

“UniKL places a strong emphasis on applied education and business, which aligns well with the academic orientation of the Department of Business at FV UNAIR. Moreover, UniKL’s location within the ASEAN region offers an international learning environment that is both relevant and accessible for our students,” he said.

He noted that the program went beyond a formal academic visit. According to him, its most valuable aspect was the integration of academic learning with international networking opportunities. “The Lecture Series provided fresh perspectives on business practices and economic policies in Malaysia. Interactions with UniKL students also exposed us to different academic cultures and ways of thinking through informal discussions,” he said.

As the program coordinator, he expressed hope that the collaboration between UNAIR FV and UniKL would continue in the future. “If possible, this partnership could be expanded through initiatives such as student exchange programs or joint academic projects to offer students a more immersive international experience,” he added.

Faculty advisor Vivi Rodliyatuz Zulfa, SM, MSM, praised the students for their active participation throughout the program. She observed that they were highly engaged, contributed thoughtfully to discussions, and were able to articulate their ideas clearly. “Based on the topics discussed in the lecture series, many of the concepts and practices are highly relevant, as Indonesia and Malaysia share relatively similar cultural backgrounds. The main differences tend to arise from national policies and institutional contexts,” she said.

She further emphasized that the program supports the learning outcomes of the Department of Business at FV UNAIR, particularly in strengthening cross-cultural communication skills and critical thinking. “Students not only gained theoretical knowledge but also learned through direct interaction with international lecturers and peers. This kind of experience enhances vocational competencies and better prepares them to face global challenges,” she concluded.

UNAIR signs MoU with MSU Malaysia

Posted on by Universitas Airlangga News

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.

Bakrie Uni’s Student Won APAC’s Competition

Posted on by Bakrie University

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.

UNAIR and Mongolian Embassy to collaborate

Posted on by Universitas Airlangga News

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.