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UNAIR NEWS – (UNAIR) has formalized a strategic partnership with PT Salam Pacific Indonesia Lines (SPIL) through a memorandum of understanding signed during the HITEX 2025 exhibition on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. The signing took place at the Airlangga Convention Center (ACC), MERR-C Campus. Rector Prof. Dr. Mohammad Nasih, M.T., Ak., CA and SPIL Operation Director Bambang Gunawan agreed to open a collaborative office at UNAIR.

Prof. Nasih explained that PT SPIL will help connect talent with UNAIR’s academic community. “We’re creating a bridge—a hub—at the ASEEC Building that will serve as SPIL’s activity center. This will become a point of contact between the company and our academic community, especially our graduates, to contribute and engage,” he said.

Tangible benefits for the academic community

He added that the partnership will directly benefit students, faculty, and staff. It will allow UNAIR graduates to align more closely with market needs. “SPIL can provide input on industry demands, allowing us to address any gaps in our graduates’ readiness,” said the senior professor from the Faculty of Economics and Business.

Prof. Nasih emphasized that this collaboration could significantly improve student employability. “If our graduates are immediately recruited, that’s a huge win. We don’t want them waiting months after graduation—it’s discouraging. Ideally, they secure jobs before they even finish,” he said.

Expanding industry partnerships

Beyond SPIL, Prof. Nasih mentioned that UNAIR is already a national leader in industrial partnerships. “We’re currently number one in partnerships. We’ve formed hundreds of collaborations with industries, and they’ve all been mutually beneficial,” he stated.

Looking ahead, Prof. Nasih said UNAIR will continue to adapt and expand its industry engagement. “We welcome industry players to teach on campus, and we’re prepared to adjust our curriculum accordingly. UNAIR is committed to producing graduates who meet real-world demands and to conducting research that supports industry innovation,” he concluded.

Author: Mohammad Adif Albarado

Editor: Yulia Rohmawati