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.