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檚 role in global communities
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Madyan, SE, M.Si, M.Fin擴NAIR檚 Rector-elect for the 20252030 term and President of the 2025 WUACD Summit攕tated that the event reflects UNAIR檚 ongoing commitment to promoting higher education that makes a direct impact on community empowerment.
淭hrough the World University Association for Community Development, we are honored to collaborate closely with students from universities worldwide. Our goal reaches beyond academics攊t’s about building capacity, improving well-being, and promoting inclusive development, Prof. Madyan remarked.
He also praised the involvement of international students in UNAIR檚 community outreach programs across Kalimantan and East Java, where they engage directly with local communities and learn from Indonesia檚 cultural values.
淥ur 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檚 Acting Governor, Dr. Emil Elestianto Dardak, MSc, applauded the conference檚 success in bringing together academia, science, and government in pursuit of innovation and sustainable development.
淏ringing the WUACD Summit together with several major scientific forums creates extraordinary synergy. This is a moment we檝e all anticipated, especially in microbial biotechnology, which has huge potential for sustainable progress, said Dardak.
He highlighted Indonesia檚 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.
淢icrobial technology bridges basic and applied science. Through UNAIR and its international partners, East Java檚 scholars are playing a key role in fostering global research and innovation, he said.
The acting governor also shared greetings from East Java檚 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.
淪he sends her regards and great hope that this event will further elevate UNAIR檚 academic reputation as a global leader in community development, Dardak conveyed.
Author: Ameyliarti Bunga Lestari
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
