UNAIR NEWS – Cooperation between Indonesia and the Philippines has been going well, such as in the field of education. In 2014 an MoU was signed by Government to Government between the Commissioner on Higher Education and the Directorate of Higher Education, Ministry of Education and Culture. In order to improve diplomatic relations between Indonesia and the Philippines, the Indonesian Embassy through Education and Culture Attache (Atdikbud) held an education promotion in Manila, Indonesia University Fair 2018 on October 21.
The exhibition was attended by 17 of the best universities in Indonesia. Universitas Airlangga, as one of the best state universities, also participated in the event as it has many collaborations with universities in the Philippines, such as De La Salle University, Far Eastern University, University of Perpertual and other Filipino universities. Universitas Airlangga also had the opportunity to give a presentation on the university’s profile and international programs.
The event, held at the Glorieta Activity Center, Ayala Ave, Makati City, Philippines, was opened by singing the national anthems of Indonesia and the Philippines and Tanah Air song performed by students of University of Perpertual.
Dr. Lily Nur Laili, M.Ed as Education and Culture Attaché, expressed her pride and emotion for the organization of Indonesian best universities promotional event, after the last event in 2011.
“It is held to make the Filipino know, there are universities in Indonesia which are no less excellent from universities in other countries. But in terms of cost it is inexpensive because the cost of our daily living is not much different. We are like close relatives, so get closer to Indonesia not only in culture but also in education, ” she said.
Furthermore, the International Program Division of Universitas Airlangga, Irfan Wahyudi, M.Comms., PhD., revealed that he was proud to be invited by the Indonesian Embassy in the Philippines. It gave UNAIR the opportunity to further strengthen the existing educational relations. He hoped that in the future there will be more Filipino students taking part in international programs of UNAIR and vice versa.
Author: Hedy Diah Syahputri
Editor: Nuri Hermawan
