Makassar, 15th August 2024 – UIN Alauddin Makassar successfully conducted a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) centered around the recruitment procedures for international students and the socialization of SIMPEL . The event, held on Thursday, August 15th, 2024, brought together key stakeholders from various institutions to discuss and refine the processes involved in attracting and managing international students. 

The day commenced at 8:30 AM with participant registration, followed by an opening ceremony at 9:00 AM, The welcoming address was delivered by Prof. Dr. H. Muhammad Amri, Lc., M.Ag., Vice Rector IV of UIN Alauddin Makassar, who emphasized the importance of international collaboration in enhancing the university’s global standing. 

The event was attended by heads of departments (Kajur) and representatives from various institutions within UIN Alauddin Makassar, showcasing the university’s collective commitment to enhancing its international outreach. Their presence underscored the significance of the discussion in shaping the future of UIN Alauddin Makassar’s international programs.  

The day featured a series of insightful presentations by distinguished speakers. Ambar Sari Dewi, S.Sos., M.Si., Ph.D., Head of the Center for Developing Cooperation and International Affairs (CDCIA) at UIN Sunan Kalijaga, kicked off the session with a detailed explanation of the procedures for international student selection. Her presentation provided a comprehensive overview of the criteria and processes that ensure the recruitment of high-caliber students from overseas. 

This was followed by Dr. rer.medic. Esti Wahyu Widowati, M.Si., Secretary of CDCIA at UIN Sunan Kalijaga, who discussed the intricacies of immigration and visa management for international students. Her session was particularly valuable, offering practical insights into navigating the complex legal requirements associated with international student enrollment. 

The third Speaker was delivered by Dimas Prakoso Nugroho, S.Kom., M.A., Head of the International Office at UIN Sayyid Ali Rahmatullah Tulungagung. He focused on the verification and identification of international collaboration offers using digital fact-checking methods. His talk highlighted the importance of due diligence in forging international partnerships, ensuring that all collaborations are based on verified and reliable information. 

Next, the moderator, Dr. Serliah Nur, M.Hum., M.Ed., took the stage to socialize the SIMPEL application about the process for faculty and staff who need to obtain travel authorization for international assignments. This feature allows users to submit their travel requests, track the approval process, and ensure compliance with institutional and governmental regulations, all within a single, user-friendly interface. This socialization session was crucial in familiarizing participants with the tool that will play a significant role in UIN Alauddin Makassar’s international operations moving forward. 

The event then moved into a Q&A session, moderated by Dr. Serliah, providing an opportunity for attendees to dive deeper into the topics discussed. 

Overall, the FGD served as a crucial platform for sharing knowledge and best practices in international student recruitment and management, aligning with UIN Alauddin Makassar’s strategic goals of expanding its global outreach and fostering international partnerships.