UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) reaffirmed its commitment to global collaboration and academic excellence by participating in the QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific 2025, held from 4–6 November 2025 at Korea University, South Korea. The annual summit brought together leading higher education institutions, experts, and stakeholders from across the region to discuss emerging trends, share best practices, and explore new pathways for shaping the future of academia in the Asia-Pacific region.
This year, UNAIR proudly sent a delegation led by Tofan Agung Eka Prasetya, Ph.D., Deputy Director of Airlangga Global Engagement (AGE), joined by Agastya Wardhana, M.Hub.Int., Faculty Ambassador and Lecturer from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences; Dian Ekowati, Ph.D., Head of the Planning and Development Board; Dr. Maryamah, Coordinator of Research, Innovation, and Community Development; and Lina Puryanti, Ph.D., Director of the Airlangga Institute of Indian Ocean Crossroads. Their participation underscores UNAIR’s strategic priority to broaden its international networks and strengthen its role in regional academic development.
Engaged in academic exhibition
Throughout the three-day summit, UNAIR operated an exhibition booth designed to showcase its academic portfolio and global initiatives. The booth served as an interactive space where delegates and visitors could learn more about UNAIR’s ongoing efforts in academic mobility, research collaboration, dual-degree programs, and student exchange opportunities. By engaging with peers and prospective partners, UNAIR aimed to encourage broader cooperation that supports student development, advances research innovation, and builds stronger institutional partnerships across borders.
The booth attracted interest from representatives of universities, organizations, and researchers eager to explore new collaborations. These discussions reflect UNAIR’s growing presence in the regional higher education landscape and its dedication to creating meaningful connections that benefit both the university community and wider society.
Sharing perspectives in Global South-South Partnership
UNAIR’s representatives also took part in a number of important sessions during the summit. On 6 November 2025, Dr. Lina Puryanti joined a panel discussion themed “Fostering Global South–South Partnerships for Collective Development.” Her contributions emphasized the need for dynamic and equitable collaboration among Global South institutions, highlighting shared opportunities and challenges in addressing development goals through innovation, cultural exchange, and region-specific solutions.
Drawing on her expertise with the Airlangga Institute of Indian Ocean Crossroads, she demonstrated UNAIR’s commitment to strengthening academic and research networks across the Indian Ocean region. Her participation reflected the university’s belief that collaboration within the Global South can unlock new approaches to education, research empowerment, and sustainable development.
Ranking Masterclass
The summit continued with another notable contribution from UNAIR on 7 November 2025, when Dr. Dian Ekowati took part in a QS Rankings Masterclass, which served as an extension of the main summit. The session offered a comprehensive look at the QS ranking methodology and its implications for universities striving to increase their global competitiveness. Dr. Ekowati’s participation aligns with UNAIR’s ongoing efforts to refine its strategic planning, enhance its research profile, and strengthen its institutional performance with respect to international standards. Her engagement enabled UNAIR to gather valuable insights into ranking indicators, institutional benchmarking, and best practices that support academic excellence.
UNAIR’s involvement in the QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific 2025 reflects the university’s commitment to creating a globally connected academic environment. Participation in this forum allows the institution not only to promote its strengths but also to learn from other universities, foster long-term partnerships, and contribute to regional dialogue on future-oriented education. The Asia-Pacific region continues to position itself as a hub of dynamic academic development, and UNAIR’s presence at the summit reinforces its aspiration to help drive progress through collaboration, research innovation, and international mobility.
Looking ahead, the university aims to build on the connections established during the summit and to enhance cooperation in research, faculty engagement, and student exchange. UNAIR remains dedicated to empowering the next generation through knowledge creation and global exposure, ensuring that students and scholars are well-prepared to contribute to society in an increasingly interconnected world. Participation in global events such as the QS Higher Ed Summit represents an important step in strengthening UNAIR’s international reputation and its vision to become a world-class university that inspires positive change across generations.
Author: AGE, Yulia Rohmawati
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
