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UNAIR NEWS – As host of the 2025 World University Association for Community Development (WUACD) Summit, (UNAIR) held a lively gala dinner at Grahadi State Building, Surabaya, on Friday evening (June 13, 2025). The event marked the official opening of a series of international academic forums organized by UNAIR, including the Asian Microbiotechnology Conference, the AUMC National Conference, and the ASEAN BCG Network Meeting and Conference.

The dinner welcomed dozens of delegates from global universities and research institutions, with representatives from Thailand, Myanmar, Pakistan, Malaysia, and Cambodia in attendance. Government officials, university leaders, and international scholars also joined the forum, which emphasized the theme of research-driven, cross-border collaboration for community development.

Affirming higher education’s role in global communities

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Madyan, SE, M.Si, M.Fin—UNAIR’s Rector-elect for the 2025–2030 term and President of the 2025 WUACD Summit—stated that the event reflects UNAIR’s ongoing commitment to promoting higher education that makes a direct impact on community empowerment.

“Through the World University Association for Community Development, we are honored to collaborate closely with students from universities worldwide. Our goal reaches beyond academics—it’s about building capacity, improving well-being, and promoting inclusive development,” Prof. Madyan remarked.

He also praised the involvement of international students in UNAIR’s community outreach programs across Kalimantan and East Java, where they engage directly with local communities and learn from Indonesia’s cultural values.

“Our international students have actively participated in community service programs, engaging in cultural exchange and gaining a deeper understanding of global perspectives,” he added.

Academia’s strategic role in biotechnology and innovation

East Java’s Acting Governor, Dr. Emil Elestianto Dardak, MSc, applauded the conference’s success in bringing together academia, science, and government in pursuit of innovation and sustainable development.

“Bringing the WUACD Summit together with several major scientific forums creates extraordinary synergy. This is a moment we’ve all anticipated, especially in microbial biotechnology, which has huge potential for sustainable progress,” said Dardak.

He highlighted Indonesia’s unique position as a megadiverse country with immense potential in microbiology and biotechnology. He emphasized that academic collaboration in regional networks like this is critical.

“Microbial technology bridges basic and applied science. Through UNAIR and its international partners, East Java’s scholars are playing a key role in fostering global research and innovation,” he said.

The acting governor also shared greetings from East Java’s non-active Governor, Khofifah Indar Parawansa, currently on the Hajj pilgrimage. A proud UNAIR alumna and active member of the alumni association, she extended her warm wishes.

“She sends her regards and great hope that this event will further elevate UNAIR’s academic reputation as a global leader in community development,” Dardak conveyed.

Author: Ameyliarti Bunga Lestari

Editor: Yulia Rohmawati