IO – UPN “Veteran” Jawa Timur (UPNVJT), through the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM), officially welcomed international student delegations during the Reception and Audience for the International Community Service (KKN) and Student Inbound Academic Mobility program. The opening ceremony was held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, in the Arjuno Room, Rectorate Building. The delegation from Universidade Dili (UNDIL) Timor Leste brought 8 students accompanied by their supervising lecturer, Fitri Kusumasari, S.Psi., M.K.M.. Meanwhile, Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) Brunei Darussalam sent 2 student representatives accompanied directly by Dr. Nor Surilawana binti Haji Sulaiman.
Through this platform facilitated by LPPM, the diverse backgrounds of the delegates are expected to spark dynamic cultural exchange and strengthen international academic networks. This also serves as a concrete step for UPN “Veteran” Jawa Timur in realizing its vision as a globally competitive campus.
The Rector of UPN “Veteran” Jawa Timur, Prof. Dr. Ir. Akhmad Fauzi, M.M.T., IPU., in his welcoming remarks, highlighted a broader vision for this mobility program. “I hope that this International KKN program does not merely focus on a single area such as education, but also expands into research and other developments. It must be a concrete manifestation of fulfilling the entire Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi (Three Pillars of Higher Education),“ the Rector stated.
The event was also attended by representatives of faculty leadership and study program coordinators from across UPN “Veteran” Jawa Timur. The presence of representatives from all faculties demonstrated the university’s commitment, as the international students activities are designed to be highly interdisciplinary. Throughout the program, delegates will participate in rotating agendas across various faculties.
Similar enthusiasm was expressed by the supervising lecturer from UNDIL, Fitri Kusumasari, S.Psi., M.K.M.. “We hope that over the next 10 days, our students activities here will provide direct benefits to the surrounding community. Naturally, we also want them to return home not empty handed, but equipped with valuable knowledge and experiences,” she expressed.
Echoing this sentiment, the representative from UNISSA, Dr. Nor Surilawana binti Haji Sulaiman, shared her hopes for a long term impact from the partnership. “We want our students, especially those in health related fields, to be able to emulate the best practices found here. We strongly hope to make UPN “Veteran” Jawa Timur our strategic partner moving forward,” Dr. Nor explained in her speech.
The opening ceremony concluded with a group photo session and a warm networking gathering among the university leadership, faculty representatives, supervising lecturers, and all student delegates. It is hoped that this promising initial step will facilitate the entire series of International KKN and Student Inbound Academic Mobility activities over the next ten days, ultimately bringing a positive impact and sustainable collaboration for the advancement of the institutions and the broader community.
Created by Tsania Zein Fiashan (IO UPNVJT: Communication and Creative Media Division)
Edited by International Office