UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) continues to advance its international academic network, most recently through an Alumni Sharing Session hosted by the Department of Nursing at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) in Taiwan. The event featured Prof. Ferry Efendi, PhD, from UNAIR’s Faculty of Nursing, who was invited as a guest speaker.
Prof. Efendi, himself an alumnus of NCKU, recounted his academic journey and research milestones that led to his recognition as one of the world’s Top 2% Scientists for four consecutive years (2022–2025), based on the ranking issued by Stanford University. He highlighted the essential role of strong mentorship and international collaboration in building a long-term research career.
“I learned so much from my doctoral advisor at NCKU, Prof. Ching-Min Chen. He not only taught research methodology but also instilled perseverance, leadership, and collaboration. Those values have stayed with me to this day,” Prof. Efendi said.
Research direction
During the session, Prof. Efendi also discussed his current research agenda, which centers on international nurse migration, an issue gaining worldwide attention as the global demand for healthcare workers rises. He emphasized that the topic extends beyond workforce mobility, touching on health system resilience and the well-being of healthcare workers in their home countries. His work has produced notable impact, with more than 24 of his studies cited by global organizations such as the WHO, World Bank, OECD, and others.
“This research seeks to examine nurse migration from the perspective of sending countries, including its implications for healthcare systems and labor policies,” he explained.
The event at NCKU also underscored the strong ties between two leading research universities, NCKU and UNAIR,which share a commitment to scientific development and international cooperation. Through their established academic network, both institutions aim to strengthen Asia’s presence in the global research arena.
In addition to his roles as lecturer and researcher at UNAIR’s Faculty of Nursing, Prof. Efendi serves as the Head of the Institute for Journal Development, Publications, and Intellectual Property Rights (LPJPHKI) and leads the Research Center for Advancing Community Healthcare (REACH). He is widely recognized for promoting a collaborative research culture that connects universities, industry, and communities.
Closing the session, Prof. Efendi encouraged early-career researchers to stay consistent and open to interdisciplinary partnerships.
“Being a researcher isn’t just about individual achievements, it’s about teamwork and delivering meaningful benefits to society. Collaboration is essential for creating broader impact,” he said. The session stands as a testament to the continued partnership between UNAIR and NCKU, two universities committed to advancing Asia’s contributions to global research.
Author: Visky
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
