UNAIR NEWS – Federation University Australia held a New Colombo Plan, a student inbound program on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at the Kahuripan 300 Room UNAIR MERR (C) Campus. The program is fully funded by Federation University Australia, led by Associate Professor Muhammad Aziz Rahman MBBS, MPH, CertGTC, GCHECTL, Ph.D. as the coordinator.

Twenty-one international students and three co-lecturer from the Federation University Australia in International Business and Nursing joined the program. The Vice-Rector for Internationalization, Digitalization, and Information of Universitas Airlangga, Prof. Muhammad Miftahussurur dr MKes Sp PD-KGEH, Ph.D., FINASIM opened the welcoming event which was attended by UNAIR Health Promotion team.

The New Colombo Plan (NCP) is an initiative of the Australian Government for students to explore the Indo-Pacific knowledge in Australia and to learn about the world’s education system, particularly in UNAIR.

“We’re pleased with the initiative. You will get impressive experiences about Indonesia with its language and culture. You will also gain insightful perspectives by living in Indonesia firsthand,” Prof. Miftah said.

As an agent of education, research culture, and knowledge and technology transfer, UNAIR is committed to contributing to the community. Every higher education institution is responsible for being adaptive in meeting the community’s needs.

“The interaction between Australian and Indonesian students will give positive impacts on the future relations of the countries. Once again, I wish you well. Have fun in Surabaya!” he said.

The program allows Australian students to interact with UNAIR students, lecturers, and the local community of East Java. It aims to understand the cultural context of public health management, particularly in the effort of health promotion and disease prevention in Indonesia. Besides, students also get to share their experiences in healthcare treatment in Australia.

Author: Langgeng Widodo

Editor: Nuri Hermawan