BANDUNG, UNIKOM — Universitas Komputer Indonesia (UNIKOM), through the Directorate of International Programs (DIP) officially opened the UNIKOM Student Course and Heritage for Overseas Learning and Academic Research (SCHOLAR) on Friday, October 24, 2025, held at the 17th floor Auditorium of the UNIKOM Smart Building. UNIKOM SCHOLAR is UNIKOM’s flagship International Student Exchange program designed to strengthen academic collaboration and cultural exchange between UNIKOM students and participants coming to UNIKOM from various countries. This activity is one of UNIKOM’s strategic initiatives in strengthening the internationalization of higher education towards becoming a World Class University (WCU) while introducing the richness of Indonesian culture to foreign students through a sustainable academic and collaborative approach.
On this occasion, the Rector of UNIKOM, Prof. Dr. Ir. H. Eddy Soeryanto Soegoto, M.T., Vice Rector I for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. Hj. Umi Narimawati, Dra., S.E., M.Si., Vice Rector II for Resources, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Agus Riyanto, S.T., M.T., CSBA., Vice Rector IV for Digital Technology & ICT, International Programs, and Center of Excellence, Prof. Ir. Zainal Arifin Hasibuan, Ph.D., and other leaders, including Deans, Heads of Study Programs at UNIKOM, respectable guests from abroad, Prof. Bettina Meiser, Assoc. Prof. Dr Abdulkareem Sh., Dr. Praveena Nair and Erica Matano, B.A., as well as UNIKOM SCHOLAR students from various foreign universities, including: Sultan Zainal Abidin University (Malaysia), University of Malaysia Terengganu, INTI International University (Malaysia), MDIS Tashkent (Uzbekistan), and UzSWLU (Uzbekistan State World Languages University).
The Director of International Program UNIKOM and head of the event, Dr. Senny Luckyardi, S.P., M.M., delivered an activity report and explained the objectives of the SCHOLAR program. “Through this program, we will work together to provide community service, preserve the environment, and learn about culture, technology, and various other fields of knowledge. This program also serves to strengthen friendship, cooperation, and collaboration between countries. I am confident that the experience gained here will open opportunities for you to return to UNIKOM in the future, whether to continue your studies, conduct research, or establish other academic collaborations.” Dr. Senny also advised all UNIKOM SCHOLAR participants, “I advise and hope that SCHOLAR students will have memorable and meaningful experiences that will foster your energy, attention, and dedication to contribute to broader global goals,” she concluded.
Vice Rector IV for Digital Technology & ICT, International Programs, and Center of Excellence, Prof. Ir. Zainal, in his speech said that through the SCHOLAR program, UNIKOM seeks to strengthen recognition, understanding of one another, and learning about different cultures, languages, and social values with participants from various countries. These are the things that will unite us as part of a connected world. Furthermore, Prof. Zainal said, “I hope this moment will be a memorable and meaningful beginning for all of us. This activity is not the end, but the beginning of ongoing collaboration, both in academic and cultural fields. Once again, welcome to UNIKOM, welcome to Bandung, and welcome to Indonesia. Enjoy every valuable experience during this program,” Prof. Zainal hoped.
The activity continued with the pinning of SCHOLAR participant badges by the Rector of UNIKOM, accompanied by performances of Lengser and Degung Sunda by the UNIKOM Sadaya Student Activity Group, as a symbol of West Java’s traditional welcome to guests of honor. The festivities continued with traditional Merak and Jaipong dance performances, song performances by UTV, and a captivating performance by the UNIKOM Student Choir that amazed all attendees. Additionally, the lecturer and buddy introduction session was an important part of the event, introducing the accompanying lecturers and local students who will collaborate with international participants throughout the program.
Through the UNIKOM SCHOLAR program, UNIKOM reaffirms its commitment to providing globally competitive higher education focused on technological innovation, excellent research, and the preservation of local cultural values. The SCHOLAR 2025 program is expected to serve as a collaborative platform for students from various countries to learn from one another, innovate, and strengthen international ties through education and research rooted in Indonesia’s local wisdom. (Directorate of Hms & Pro)