Makassar, October 06, 2025 — the International Office of Alauddin State Islamic University Makassar held a Sharing Session entitled “Beyond Borders: Building a Career Abroad” at the Meeting Room, 1st Floor, Rectorate. This event featured a representative from Thomas Foods International Australia, Maikara Tamihana, as Manager, Human Resource Northern Region. Thomas Foods International (TFI) is one of Australia’s largest family-owned food processing companies, best known for producing and exporting premium-quality meat products such as beef, lamb, mutton, and goat meat to markets around the world.
The session was moderated by Dr. Rosma Tami, S.Ag., M.Sc, M.A. Head of the English Language and Literature Department, and also attended by Riswandi, S.Hum., an alumnus of the English Language and Literature Department who is currently working at Thomas Foods International, who shared his journey and inspired students to dream beyond borders.
This activity aims to provide students with insight into international career opportunities and strengthen cooperation between academia and global industry.
The event was officially opened by the Head of the International Office of Alauddin State Islamic University Makassar, Dr. Serliah Nur, M.Hum., M.Ed., she expressed her appreciation for the event in her opening remarks. She stated:
“We are truly honored to host this event which marks an important step in building meaningful international collaboration. Today’s session is an opportunity for us to learn, to connect, and to explore the possibilities of partnership between academia and industry, and between Indonesia and Australia.”
During the session, Maikara Tamihana shared his experience and information about the employment system in Australia, working holiday visas, visa requirements, transportation in Australia, salaries, living costs, and the qualifications needed to pursue a career at an international company such as Thomas Foods International. The participant’s enthusiasm was reflected in the various questions they asked about global work readiness and strategies for building international competencies.
Through this activity, the International Office hopes to expand international cooperation networks, not only in the academic field but also in career development and the enhancement of student competencies to compete globally.
This activity is expected to serve as the beginning of a sustainable collaboration between Alauddin State Islamic University Makassar and Thomas Foods International Australia, which will open new opportunities for students and alumni to gain international experience in the industrial sector.
