(FEB NEWS) The Faculty of Economics and Business Universitas Airlangga s efforts to strengthen the internationalization of education have been further realized through the SMART–ACE Program (Strategic Mobility for Academic, Collaboration & Excellence) in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Cawangan Johor, Malaysia. The program, which took place from June 8–13, 2026, brought together 21 UiTM students and their accompanying lecturers to participate in a series of academic activities, community service, cultural exchanges, and student collaboration within the FEB UNAIR environment.
The UiTM delegation was accompanied by Cik Husnizam Bin Hosin, Dr. Maizura Binti Isa Kamarudin, and Cik Masitah Binti Omar. They were warmly welcomed by the leadership of FEB UNAIR, including Vice Dean I Prof. Dr. Tika Widiastuti, SE., M.Si. and Vice Dean III Novrys Suhardianto, SE., MSA., Ak., Ph.D., along with staff and lecturers of the Undergraduate Accounting Department of FEB UNAIR who were also present to accompany the entire series of activities.
Vice Dean III, Novrys Suhardianto, emphasized that internationalization is not simply achieved through administrative cooperation but must be translated into concrete learning experiences for students. "We want to create more collaborative spaces that enable students and faculty to connect with the global academic community. This is where the exchange of ideas, innovation, and collaboration that benefits both institutions will emerge," he said.
The series of activities began with a meeting with university leaders and student organizations, discussing opportunities for academic collaboration, research, summer camp programs, and the development of future student mobility. The agenda then continued with a faculty visit and collaborative teaching session, featuring topics such as Accounting Data Analytics and Digital Technologies in Accounting. This session provided a forum for the exchange of ideas between faculty and students regarding the transformation of the accounting world, which is increasingly influenced by developments in digital technology.
Not only focusing on academic aspects, SMART–ACE also presents various activities that introduce Indonesian social and cultural life. The UiTM delegation participated in a community service program at the Jokotole Collection of Madura Hand-Written Batik Center, interacted with the Kenjeran coastal community, and learned about the history of Surabaya through visits to Kampung Lawas Maspati and the Living Museum of Surabaya's Old Town. These various activities are designed to enrich students' understanding of the local social, cultural, and economic context.
UiTM Johor representative, Dr. Maizura Binti Isa Kamarudin, expressed her appreciation for the academic and cultural experiences provided by FEB UNAIR during the program. "SMART–ACE provides an opportunity for our students to learn directly in an international academic environment while also gaining a deeper understanding of Indonesian culture. This kind of experience is invaluable in shaping students' global perspectives," she said.
At the end of the program, students from both institutions participated in case study presentations and joint sports activities. Besides providing a platform for applying academic knowledge, these sessions strengthened student interaction and fostered a spirit of cross-border collaboration.
Through SMART–ACE 2026, FEB UNAIR reaffirms its position as a faculty actively building international partnerships. Therefore, this activity reflects FEB UNAIR's commitment to producing globally competitive graduates capable of collaborating, adapting, and contributing amidst the increasingly borderless, interconnected landscape of higher education.
Editor: Sintya Alfafa