The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) at Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) continues to strengthen their commitment to internationalization and the development of globally minded future leaders. This commitment was demonstrated through the participation of a selected delegation of outstanding students in the 2026 International Student Exchange Program. Held from 9 to 22 May 2026, the two-week international mobility program was organized through a strategic partnership with Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). Based primarily in Sintok, Kedah, the program also extended its academic and social activities to Perlis, Malaysia, providing participants with a comprehensive and immersive international learning experience.
The delegation represented some of the best students from various departments within the FISIP UNHAS. The participants included Azzahra Salsabila Rahman from the Department of Public Administration, Muh. Rifky Fahrezy Sabar from the Department of Sociology, Reahan Hadi Zahran from the Department of Anthropology, Rizki Ardiansyah from the Department of International Relations, Eno Zakira Anisa from the Department of Communication Science, Mukhlisatul Amaliyah Putri from the Department of Political Science, and Suci Sulistiawati from the Department of Government Studies. Bringing together students from diverse academic backgrounds encouraged rich interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing each participant to contribute unique perspectives in examining contemporary social and governance issues.
During their stay at UUM, the delegates actively participated in an intensive academic program designed to strengthen their leadership capacity and critical thinking skills. Interactive classroom sessions explored a range of contemporary topics, including the relationship between political dynamics and public administration, digital transformation in the public sector, and economic analysis for strategic decision-making. In addition, participants gained valuable insights into technological adaptation in the era of Industry 4.0 and its implications for preparing society to embrace the vision of Society 5.0.
Complementing the academic sessions, the program featured the Sintok Edu-Tourism initiative, which enabled participants from UNHAS to observe institutional practices firsthand. The delegation visited several of UUM’s modern facilities and service centers, including the Sultanah Bahiyah Library, the UUM Management Museum, and the U-Assist One-Stop Service Centre. These visits provided valuable exposure to contemporary university governance and digital service management, illustrating how an internationally recognized higher education institution delivers efficient and technology-driven administrative services.
One of the program’s most meaningful components was the Living with Locals initiative, which took students beyond the university campus to experience daily life within the local community. For two days, the delegates stayed with host families in Kampung Telok Kandis, Kedah. This immersive experience served as a valuable social learning laboratory, enabling students to interact closely with local residents, appreciate indigenous wisdom and cultural traditions, and gain a deeper understanding of the socio-economic challenges faced by rural communities in Malaysia.
