VOKASI NEWS – International collaboration has become an important part of academic development in higher education. Universities are encouraged to create learning environments that support global perspectives, research collaboration, and sustainable development. One example is the collaboration between Universitas Airlangga and Universiti Sains Malaysia through the Student and Staff Outbound Mobility Program.
The collaboration was organized between the Faculty of Vocational Studies at Universitas Airlangga and the Centre for Policy Research at Universiti Sains Malaysia. The program consisted of online lectures and workshop sessions followed by an academic visit to Universiti Sains Malaysia in Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. Based on the official acceptance letter, the activities were conducted from January until May 2026, while the offline mobility program took place from 26 to 30 April 2026.
International Academic Exchange and Learning Experience
The program was designed to strengthen academic cooperation, intercultural understanding, and international exposure for students and lecturers. Through lectures, discussions, and institutional visits, participants exchanged ideas and learned from different academic and cultural perspectives. The mobility program also provided opportunities to experience international academic collaboration directly.
These activities created valuable learning experiences, particularly in understanding how universities in different countries develop academic environments that support sustainability and global engagement. Academic mobility programs also provide opportunities for students to gain learning experiences outside their home institutions.
Through direct interaction with international academic communities, students can improve communication skills, adaptability, teamwork, and cross-cultural understanding. These competencies are increasingly important in today’s global and digital era. The collaboration between USM and UNAIR also supported discussions related to sustainability issues in Southeast Asia.
Sustainability and Institutional Collaboration
Indonesia and Malaysia share several common challenges, including digital transformation, environmental sustainability, economic development, and social welfare. Through academic exchange activities, participants were encouraged to share perspectives and discuss possible solutions to these challenges.
The program also provided broader insights into the relationship between business, technology, and sustainability. Modern business practices increasingly require awareness of responsible financial management, digital innovation, and sustainable development principles. Exposure to international academic environments helped participants understand these issues from broader perspectives.
In addition to student activities, the program strengthened institutional relationships between both universities. Lecturers and academic staff were given opportunities to discuss future collaboration, academic exchange, and potential research partnerships. Such cooperation contributes to the internationalization efforts of higher education institutions and supports the development of global academic networks.
Digital Technology and Future Academic Cooperation
Universiti Sains Malaysia is known for its strong academic environment and commitment to sustainability initiatives. Through direct academic engagement at USM, participants from Universitas Airlangga were able to observe learning systems, campus environments, and academic practices implemented at the university. These experiences may become valuable references for future academic and institutional development.
The implementation of online lectures and workshops also highlighted the role of digital technology in supporting international education. Virtual learning platforms enabled collaboration and discussion despite geographical differences. The combination of online and offline activities created a flexible academic model that supports sustainable international cooperation.
The participation of students and lecturers from Universitas Airlangga in this program demonstrates the importance of international academic engagement in higher education. Through direct interaction, collaborative learning, and institutional exchange, participants gained experiences that support both academic and personal development.
Programs such as this mobility initiative can strengthen academic partnerships between universities in Southeast Asia while encouraging students to become more globally aware and academically prepared. International collaboration in higher education continues to play an important role in supporting educational development, knowledge exchange, and sustainability-oriented learning.
[READ MORE: Bringing Indonesian Heritage, Delivering Holistic Education at PERMAI Pulau Pinang ]
Writer: Fatur Rachman
Editor: Sinta Rahmah (Tim Vokasi Branding)
