UNAIR signs MoU with Chiang Mai University

Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) continues to strengthen cross-border academic synergy through collaboration with Chiang Mai University (CMU), Thailand. The partnership was marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two institutions. The signing ceremony took place on March 11, 2026, at the Dean’s Meeting Room, Faculty of Medicine (FK), Dharmahusada-A Campus, UNAIR.

The visit is considered crucial for fostering cooperation between the two universities, particularly involving the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) and the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPK). Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Community Development Prof Muhammad Miftahussurur, dr M Kes Sp PDKGEH PhD delivered a warm welcome to the delegation. He expressed his gratitude and hoped that the collaboration between Chiang Mai University and UNAIR would continue to develop. “I would like to thank the delegation from Chiang Mai University, Thailand, for the visit. We hope this cooperation can continue to grow in the future,” Prof Miftahussurur said.

Working on common grounds

Vice Dean for Research, Innovation, and Community Development of FST Prof Dr Fatmawati MSi revealed plans to expand collaboration with the Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University (CMU). According to her, the plan was based on the alignment of study programs that offer strong opportunities for cooperation. “FST previously met with representatives from Chiang Mai for a research project that will run for three years. Considering that an ASEAN-level mathematics research conference is held in Chiang Mai, FST UNAIR intends to expand collaboration with the Faculty of Science CMU,” Prof Fatmawati said.

In line with Prof. Fatmawati, Dean of FPK Prof Dr Endang Dewi Masithah Ir MP noted several promising opportunities for collaboration, including student and staff exchanges. This initiative also aligns with the community development program in Sebatik, established by FPK by inviting CMU students and staff to participate. “In addition, UNAIR has a research competition program called International Research Network (IRN) funded by the university to support collaboration with Chiang Mai University. There is also the possibility of collaboration with other universities,” Prof Masithah said.

Chiang Mai University responded positively to the proposed collaboration initiatives. This was reflected in a statement by Vice President of CMU Prof. of Practice Charin PhD, who noted that CMU not only plans to invite UNAIR staff for research collaboration and international conferences in Bangkok, but also aims to develop cooperation in student mobility programs. Through this strategic meeting between UNAIR and Chiang Mai University, both institutions hope the collaboration plans can be realized, particularly in student and staff mobility as well as community development programs in Indonesia and Chiang Mai.

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.

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.

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.

UNAIR expands collaboration in Pakistan

Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) continues to expand its global reach through strategic international academic partnerships. A delegation conducted official visits to the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) and the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), two of Pakistan’s leading universities. The agenda focused on expanding international research cooperation, academic exchanges, global scientific publications, and the downstreaming and commercialization of university-based innovation.

The delegation was led by UNAIR’s Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Community Development (RICD), Prof Dr Muhammad Miftahussurur SpPD-KGEH PhD, joined by Executive Secretary of the World University Association for Community Development (WUACD), Prof Dr Ni Nyoman Tri Puspaningsih MSi, and Head of the Center for Journal Development, Publication, and Intellectual Property Rights (LPJPHKI), Prof Ferry Efendi Skep Ns MSc PhD.

The meeting was held in the IIUI Rectorate Conference Hall on Tuesday (11/2/2025), attended by the acting president, vice presidents, and senior leadership members. IIUI expressed a strong commitment to strengthening academic collaboration among Asian universities as part of its effort to advance higher education ecosystems across the Islamic world. During the academic dialogue, UNAIR and IIUI identified multiple areas for strategic partnership. These include international joint research in STEM and the social sciences, faculty and student mobility programs, co-hosting international seminars and conferences, collaborative scientific publication platforms, and academic capacity building through global networks.

Prof Miftahussurur emphasized that the internationalization of research is essential to UNAIR’s goal of becoming a World Class University. “UNAIR is committed to broadening its regional and global footprint. This collaboration allows us to strengthen research quality, expand scientific influence, and establish long-term, sustainable academic networks,” he said.

UNAIR delegates with NUST’s research director and representatives (Photo: By courtesy)

While the visit to IIUI centered on academic cooperation, the visit to NUST focused on enhancing the downstreaming of research and transforming innovations into economic assets. The UNAIR delegation was welcomed by NUST’s Director of Research before touring two of the university’s leading units. The first was the National Science and Technology Park (NSTP), Pakistan’s largest center for innovation commercialization and research-driven startup development. The second was the School of Interdisciplinary Engineering & Sciences (SINES), a hub that integrates multidisciplinary research for industry-focused solutions.

During the visit, Prof Miftahussurur stressed the need for Indonesian universities to shift their research paradigm. “UNAIR’s research must create tangible impact, not only in academia but also economically. NUST illustrates how a university can function as an innovation center that generates applicable technologies and commercial products. This serves as a valuable lesson for UNAIR,” he asserted. NUST expressed interest in collaborating in several areas such as innovation downstreaming and commercialization, science and technology park development model, university-based startup ecosystems, joint research with shared patent potential, and transdisciplinary researcher exchange programs.

During the same visit, Prof Miftahussurur also delivered a guest lecture at NUST on Gastric Dysbiosis and H. pylori to multidisciplinary students and faculties. Meanwhile, Prof Dr Ni Nyoman Tri Puspaningsih presented a lecture titled Introduction to Bioinformatics and Machine Learning: Role and Challenges.

UNAIR, IIUI, and NUST agreed to follow up the meetings by developing a more structured collaborative action plan. Priority areas include strengthening institutional partnerships, intensifying academic and research exchanges, expanding opportunities for internationally indexed scientific publications, accelerating research-based innovation downstreaming, and increasing the shared impact of collaborative research and innovation pipelines.

The UNAIR delegation’s visit to Pakistan underscores the university’s growing role in Indonesia’s academic diplomacy. The initiative aligns with UNAIR’s vision to enhance global contributions through innovative research, reputable scientific publications, and sustainable innovation commercialization.

UNAIR expands collaboration with UMP-SA

The Faculty of Vocational Studies Universitas Airlangga welcomed a delegation from Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMP-SA) as part of a Collaborative Research Visit series. The initiative marks an important step toward strengthening UNAIR’s international network, particularly in the development of applied research and in elevating the overall quality of vocational education.

The visit featured extensive discussions on long-term collaboration opportunities between UNAIR and UMP-SA. The partnership is expected to cover joint research, student and staff mobility programs, and faculty capacity development initiatives. Both institutions also explored the possibility of designing an integrated curriculum aligned with global industry demands. These efforts underscore the Faculty of Vocational Studies’ role in driving cross-border academic cooperation.

Excellence and relevance in a rapidly changing era

Dean of the Faculty of Vocational Studies, Prof Dian Yulie Reindrawati, emphasized that international partnerships are essential to the faculty’s strategic vision of delivering vocational education that is both excellent and future-oriented. “Collaborations like this create pathways for lecturers and students to engage in research and learning at the global level. We believe our partnership with UMP-SA will significantly contribute to advancing innovation and strengthening vocational competencies,” she said.

In addition to exploring joint research prospects, the visit also addressed preparations for mobility programs that would enable scholarly exchange between both institutions. Through direct academic engagement, UNAIR and UMP-SA aim to build a more dynamic and adaptive collaboration ecosystem that supports the advancement of applied sciences on an international scale.

Representatives from UMP-SA expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality and openness shown by UNAIR’s Faculty of Vocational Studies. They noted that UNAIR has cultivated a progressive vocational ecosystem that is well-positioned to collaborate on applied research initiatives aimed at addressing community needs.

The visit reaffirms UNAIR Faculty of Vocational Studies’ commitment to expanding its global reach and contributing to the growth of vocational education across Southeast Asia. Collaboration with UMP-SA Malaysia forms a key foundation for fostering innovation, promoting knowledge exchange, and delivering relevant educational experiences for future generations.

FIB signs internship agreement with HAS-G

On Tuesday (Nov 24, 2025), Haneda Airport Service Group (HAS-G), the ground-handling operator at Haneda Airport responsible for aircraft services for major carriers, including All Nippon Airways (ANA), formally launched a partnership with the Faculty of Humanities (FIB) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR). The collaboration was formalized through the signing of a Cooperation Agreement for a student internship program, designed to broaden strategic international networks across business, industry, and professional sectors.

The agreement-signing ceremony was attended by UNAIR representatives, including Dean of Faculty of Humanities Syahrur Marta Dwisusilo PhD and Japanese Language and Literature Program Coordinator Nunuk Endah Srimulyani PhD. They were welcomed by HAS-G Vice President Maruo Keijiro and manager Takuro Minoura at the TRC Center Building Annex in Heiwajima, Tokyo. The meeting marked a significant initial step in strengthening FIB UNAIR’s international collaborations.

The Japanese Language and Literature program has previously offered internship placements in Japan, and this new partnership with HAS-G further expands its international network. The collaboration is a strategic move to provide students with comprehensive, globally oriented work experience. Through the agreement, FIB UNAIR and HAS-G will enable students from the program to engage in a one-year internship.

Of the eight students nominated, six were selected from the 2022–2023 cohorts. The selected students completed several screening stages, which included meeting minimum academic credit requirements, securing faculty recommendations, participating in interviews with HAS-G, undergoing mental and physical health evaluations, and presenting a Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) certificate at a minimum N3 level. They are expected to depart in late December or early January. Throughout the internship, the six participants will carry out assignments aligned with the official curriculum jointly developed by UNAIR and HAS-G.

This internship serves as an important stepping stone for students entering an international work environment. By experiencing a professional setting firsthand, students are expected not only to strengthen their Japanese language skills but also to develop workplace discipline, responsibility, and the motivation to expand other professional competencies essential for their future careers.

“We hope this collaboration with HAS-G will continue annually and allow more students to benefit from the internship program,” said Srimulyani. Maruo Keijiro added that one UNAIR alumnus is already working at HAS through a non-internship route. Strong performance in the internship could open substantial opportunities for participants to return as full-time employees and pursue career advancement at HAS-G after graduation. He also expressed hope that student participation in the program will continue to grow in the years ahead.

UNAIR team gives treatments to flood victims

The emergency medical shelter established by Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) has begun assisting residents of Aceh Tamiang impacted by severe flooding and landslides. The medical shelter is located at the Abah Clinic site in Kuala Simpang, which had been unable to operate after its facilities and medical equipment were damaged by floodwaters. Hospitals and community clinics across Aceh Tamiang have faced similar devastation. Flooding and mud rendered numerous medical tools unusable, leaving the region without functioning health services. In response, UNAIR quickly deployed a joint medical team from the Faculty of Medicine, UNAIR Hospital, and Dr. Soetomo General Hospital (RSDS).

After arriving on December 6, the UNAIR team immediately set up the medical shelter and began providing basic medical services. Care and medications are being delivered by a team made up of an anesthesiology specialist, an orthopedic surgeon, and three medical residents. Since yesterday, residents affected by the disaster have started visiting the medical shelter to receive medical evaluations and treatment.

Among the cases handled by the UNAIR team was an infected wound caused by fragments of glass and metal. “We performed debridement and treated the wound professionally using local anesthesia,” said Dr. M. Hardian Basuki, SpOT (K), a physician at Dr. Soetomo General Hospital and a lecturer at UNAIR’s Faculty of Medicine. Infected wounds are common in post-disaster settings, especially when residents must navigate areas filled with sharp debris, contaminated surfaces, and have limited access to timely medical care.

Alongside Dr. Hardian Basuki, the medical team includes Dr. Airi Mutiar, SpAn (K); Dr. Arya Wiradewa; Dr. Yehezkiel Edward; and Dr. Zulfikar Loka Wicaksana. Additional medical personnel and supplies will be deployed soon to meet the growing healthcare needs of affected communities.