In a significant step toward strengthening its internationalization agenda, the Global Affairs Office officially launched a series of new initiatives designed to further infuse global perspectives into the institution’s learning environment. These programs aim to expand opportunities for both students and faculty members to actively participate in meaningful internationalization activities and academic collaborations.
Among the newly introduced initiatives is the Intelect (International Lecture) Program —a dynamic platform that connects the institution with credible and distinguished international lecturers from partner universities around the world.
The InteLect Program is designed to enrich the academic experience by inviting qualified global experts to deliver lecture sessions or lecture series, either onsite or online. Through this initiative, students and faculty members gain exposure to diverse perspectives, innovative practices, and emerging international trends in their respective disciplines. More than a lecture series, InteLect serves as a bridge that brings the global academic community closer to the classroom.
The inaugural sessions of the program were successfully held on March 24, 2026, in partnership with Universitas Nusa Cendana (UNDANA), Indonesia. Representing the university was Dr. Santri E. P. Djahimo, S.Pd., M.App.Ling., Ph.D., Post Grad.Dip (RMS), who delivered engaging and insightful lectures to undergraduate students from various programs. Anchored in her doctoral expertise in Applied Linguistics from Macquarie University, Australia, Dr. Santri facilitated a meaningful and enriching academic exchange that resonated strongly with the students.
Third-year Teacher Education students attended a thought-provoking lecture titled “Voices from the Classroom on AI: A Friend or a Foe?,” which explored the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern classrooms. The session encouraged critical reflection on the opportunities and challenges AI presents in the field of education, equipping future educators with a broader understanding of technology’s transformative impact.
Meanwhile, third-year Hospitality Management students participated in an interactive lecture entitled “Indonesia on a Plate: Food as a Window to Tradition.” The session was particularly timely, as the students are currently enrolled in Asian Cuisine. Drawing from lived experience as an Indonesian scholar, Dr. Djahimo offered rich cultural insights into Indonesian gastronomy, demonstrating how food serves as a powerful expression of identity, heritage, and tradition.
The successful launch of the InteLect Program underscores the institution’s commitment to internationalization as a vital component of academic excellence. By opening classrooms to global voices, the program empowers students to think beyond borders, appreciate cultural diversity, and engage with knowledge from an international lens.
Through initiatives such as InteLect, the Global Affairs Office continues to create meaningful pathways for global engagement—preparing students not only to excel locally, but to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
