UNAIR NEWS – Airlangga Global Engagement (AGE) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) continues to enhance its global presence by actively participating in prominent international events. Representatives from UNAIR shared achievements and explored collaboration opportunities at major exhibitions, including APAIE, EAIE, and APAC 2024. These efforts were presented during a workshop held at Majapahit Hall, ASEEC Tower, Dharmawangsa-B Campus, UNAIR, on Tuesday (December 10, 2024). The initiatives aim to expand institutional partnerships and bolster UNAIR’s global reputation.
Strengthening ties across Asia-Pacific
UNAIR delegates attended the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) conference in Bangkok, Thailand, emphasizing partnerships with 49 universities across the Asia-Pacific region. Delegate Astria Okta Herdiani, S.Ikom, highlighted strategic discussions to initiate programs such as student exchanges, the New Colombo Plan, Erasmus, double degrees, and the Airlangga Global Scholar program.
Out of 49 universities, 36 were identified as strong prospects for collaboration. However, obstacles such as geographical distance and QS Ranking requirements were noted. “Upon our return, we immediately mapped out the institutions with the most potential for follow-up. While some align with our goals, others require further evaluation, which we continue to assess based on their feedback,” Herdiani stated.
Expanding partnerships across Europe
UNAIR also sent representatives to the European Association for International Education (EAIE) 2024 in Toulouse, France. Delegate Tofan Agung Eka Prasetya, Ph.D., emphasized the exhibition’s focus on developing programs like IISMA (Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards), staff mobility through Erasmus, adjunct professorships, and collaborative research initiatives.
“We engaged with 40 prospective partners, 14 of which have been scheduled for follow-ups, while 26 are still in progress,” Prasetya reported.
Institutions such as Chonnam National University, the University of Pisa, Université de Genève, and QS Quacquarelli Symonds expressed interest in programs like AMERTA, LINGUA, and other exchange initiatives. UNAIR also explored funding opportunities through the Nusantara program and research collaborations with CIRAD and the University of Montpellier as part of its partnerships with French universities.
APAC 2024
During APAC 2024, UNAIR delegates engaged with 44 universities from 13 countries, including Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Jordan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Macau, Uzbekistan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Oppie Agasta A. Md, one of the presenters, reported significant interest from these institutions in initiating student and staff exchanges, joint research projects, and participation in the Airlangga Program Scholar initiative.
“As a follow-up, AGE UNAIR has identified 20 universities ready to sign Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to expand educational and research collaborations,” Agasta concluded.
Author: Sintya Alfafa
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
