UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) officially graduated four international students under the Developing Countries Partnership (KNB) Scholarship . The ceremony was held on Friday (August 21, 2026) in the Amerta Room, Rectorate Building, MERR-C Campus. Among this year’s graduates were four international students: Luxshika Tharmarajah from Sri Lanka, Fernando Sico Elo from East Timor, Mojeeb Abdo Abdullah Qasem from Yemen, and Faisal Aftab from Pakistan.

Building international network

In his remarks, UNAIR Rector Prof Dr Muhammad Madyan MFin praised the students for their hard work, dedication, and every effort they had put into completing their studies. He noted that the KNB program was more than an academic scholarship, it also served as a bridge for strengthening friendship, cooperation, and understanding between nations.

“During your time here, you not only gained knowledge, but also became part of the larger Universitas Airlangga family, while helping maintain strong relations between Indonesia and your home countries,” he said.

Prof Madyan added that he hoped the knowledge, experience, and networks the graduates had built during their studies at UNAIR would equip them to make a tangible impact, both in Indonesia and around the world. He also thanked the KNB program, the graduate school, and everyone who had supported the graduates throughout their academic journey. “Congratulations as you begin your service in your respective fields as part of your life’s journey, and take pride in being part of the UNAIR family,” he said.

Learning from great professors

Faisal Aftab, one of the graduates, described his time at UNAIR as comfortable and rewarding. Beyond his coursework, he said, the experience allowed him to learn a new language and culture while getting to know Indonesia more closely. “At first, it was difficult because of the differences in language and culture. But once I started studying, I came to love how amazing Indonesian culture is,” he explained.

Aftab said UNAIR had helped turn his dream into reality, offering facilities and opportunities he had never had access to before. “I’m truly grateful for the chance to learn from such outstanding professors. I’ve been here for three years, but it still feels like I arrived only yesterday. Given another opportunity, I would come back to Indonesia, this country has given me so much hope and knowledge,” he added.

Author: Putri Andini

Editor: Ragil Kukuh Imanto