The Faculty of Engineering (FT), Hasanuddin University (UNHAS), in collaboration with the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology (FSKTM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), successfully organized Tech4Good 2026 on 4 June 2026. The program combined academic and community engagement activities through the International Symposium on AI, Immersive Reality and Cybersecurity (AIRC 2026) at FT UNHAS and international community service programs at MAN (State Islamic Senior High School ) 2 Makassar and MTsN (State Islamic Junior High School) 1 Makassar. Organized by the Global Engagement Office (GEO) FT UNHAS, the initiative aimed to strengthen international partnerships and promote collaboration in education, research, innovation, and community service.
Tech4Good 2026 focused on three key themes: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Immersive Reality, and Cybersecurity. The program brought together academics, researchers, industry practitioners, university students, and school students to explore emerging technologies and their societal impact. The event began with AIRC 2026 at the Center of Technology (COT) Building, FT UNHAS. In her opening remarks, Dr. Novy NRA Mokobombang highlighted the symposium’s role in facilitating knowledge exchange while introducing postgraduate study and scholarship opportunities at UPM.
Representing FT UNHAS, Dean Prof. Dr. Eng. Ir. Muh. Isran Ramli emphasized the importance of international collaboration in addressing technological challenges and fostering innovation. FSKTM-UPM Dean Dato’ Prof. Dr. Shamala K. expressed appreciation to UNHAS for hosting the event and supporting academic cooperation. The symposium featured keynote presentations by Dr. Nor Azura Husin (UPM) and Prof. Dr. Eng. Muhammad Niswar (UNHAS), who discussed current developments and challenges in AI, immersive technologies, and cybersecurity. Participants also attended a research program sharing session introducing UPM’s postgraduate programs and opportunities for international research collaboration and scholarships.
AIRC 2026 continued with parallel research presentation sessions covering four tracks: Computer Engineering Applications, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Immersive Reality, and Cybersecurity. Researchers from UNHAS and UPM presented their latest studies and exchanged ideas to strengthen future collaboration. Following the symposium, Tech4Good 2026 expanded into community engagement activities at MAN 2 Makassar and MTsN 1 Makassar. The program introduced students to emerging digital technologies, including AI, Generative AI, Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT), Hologram Technology, Digital Cinematography, and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI).
At both schools, students actively participated in interactive workshops and hands-on demonstrations led by lecturers and the UPM delegation. School leaders welcomed the initiative, highlighting its value in improving students’ digital literacy and preparing them for future technological developments. Through Tech4Good 2026, UNHAS and UPM demonstrated their shared commitment to integrating education, research, and community service within a strong international collaboration framework. Beyond serving as a platform for academic exchange through AIRC 2026, the program also created direct social impact by enhancing digital literacy and introducing future technologies to the younger generation in Makassar.
