During the meeting, Universitas YARSI highlighted its ongoing commitment to ensuring that students, especially those graduating from the university, possess a strong foundation in Qur’anic understanding. YARSI shared the current practice of categorizing students based on their Qur’an comprehension level. Those who require further guidance and intensive support could potentially benefit from a structured collaboration with the Makkah-based tahfidz academy. This cooperation would provide them with enhanced learning opportunities guided by experts in Qur’anic studies.

The visiting delegation is also a professor from Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, who also conveyed insights into Qur’an-based academic development. They expressed strong interest in collaborating with YARSI to integrate Qur’anic values into students’ academic theses, particularly for research topics related to medical specialisations. This initiative aims to strengthen Islamic perspectives within scientific research, ensuring that students are able to connect their scholarly work with foundational ethical and spiritual principles.

The partners also introduced a medical college in Makkah, an institution known for selecting outstanding students from around the world and providing them with medical education rooted in Islamic values. This connection opens new possibilities for YARSI students to pursue advanced study or training opportunities in Makkah, supported by a curriculum that blends academic excellence with strong spiritual grounding.

Both parties discussed the preparation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering two main areas:

1. collaborative Qur’an learning support for YARSI students, and
2. integration of Qur’anic values into academic research and professional development, especially within the health sciences.

This audience marks an important step in strengthening international collaboration between Universitas YARSI and respected academic and religious institutions in Makkah. The partnership is expected to enhance the spiritual, academic, and professional capabilities of YARSI students, while expanding the university’s global network in Islamic-based education.

Representing Universitas YARSI were four delegates: dr. Shanti Jurnalis, Sp.A., M.Kes. (Chair of the YARSI Foundation), Ahmad Rusdan H. Utomo, Ph.D. (Vice Rector II), Fitri Arlinkasari, Ph.D., Psychologist (Head of the International Affairs Office), and Andreas Febrian, S.Kom., M.Kom., Ph.D. (Director of the Distance Learning Center). YARSI’s participation underscored the university’s growing role in ASEAN–China collaborative education, particularly in the integration of AI and digital learning innovations.

Throughout the two-day forum, participants engaged in high-level discussions, keynote presentations, and parallel sessions on topics such as AI-driven talent development, digital ecosystem reconstruction, and the future of higher education in the intelligent era. Experts from across the region shared practical cases, research insights, and innovative models that demonstrate how AI continues to reshape teaching practices, curriculum design, and university-industry partnerships.

During the sessions, Universitas YARSI contributed actively to the academic discourse. Ahmad Rusdan H. Utomo, Ph.D. shared YARSI’s best practices in aligning academic research with national priorities and global cooperation strategies.

Fitri Arlinkasari, Ph.D. emphasized the importance of human-centred and socially responsible approaches in international university collaboration.

Meanwhile, Dr. Andreas Febrian presented YARSI’s developments in AI-supported self-regulated learning and digital education through its Distance Learning programs. These contributions highlighted YARSI’s strong commitment to advancing AI-enabled education and community-engaged research in Indonesia and beyond.

The event also showcased numerous innovations from ASEAN and Chinese universities, including AI-enhanced teaching platforms, digital learning ecosystems, cross-border micro-certification programs, and institutional strategies for integrating technology into teaching and research. The discussions reinforced the forum’s role as a vital platform for fostering shared progress in the AI era.

A significant milestone was achieved during the Closing Ceremony, where it was officially announced that Universitas YARSI has been appointed as the host of the ACAPHEI Annual Meeting 2026. This recognition reflects YARSI’s rising prominence in regional higher education collaboration and its readiness to lead discussions on digital transformation, AI integration, and sustainable academic development in the ASEAN–China region.

Universitas YARSI’s participation in this forum has not only strengthened its international academic network but also generated new opportunities for collaboration in digital education, AI research, joint programs, and student mobility. The university remains committed to contributing to a shared future in higher education through innovation, partnership, and global engagement.

Representing Universitas YARSI, Dr. Fitri Arlinkasari, Head of the International Affairs Office, joined a delegation of Indonesian university leaders and school principals invited to explore academic, cultural, and partnership opportunities.

Exploring China’s Innovation, Culture, and Education Ecosystem

The program provided an immersive learning experience focusing on China’s advancement in technology, education policy, cultural heritage preservation, and international collaboration. Key visits included:

4. 1. Fujian Normal University (FNU) – AI Governance & Ethical Education
      The delegation learned about China’s structured approach to AI in education, including government-guided policies, ethical frameworks, and university-level research governance. FNU showcased how technology is integrated while maintaining strong ethical oversight and human-centered learning.
      
   2. Fujian Chuanzeng Communications College – Industry-Linked Vocational Excellence
      The visit highlighted China’s “roots before branches” philosophy, combining historical knowledge with high-tech vocational training. The delegation observed industry-standard facilities developed in collaboration with major companies such as BYD, Geely, and Wuling—showcasing a model of deep, sustainable university-industry partnership.
      
   3. Cultural and Historical Immersion in Fuzhou and Quanzhou
      Participants explored key historical sites along the ancient Maritime Silk Road, including Sanfang Qixiang, the Lin Zexu Memorial, and the Qingjing Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The visits emphasized lessons on national resilience, coexistence, and cultural openness.
      
   4. Heritage, Arts, and Community Empowerment
      The program also included visits to the Quanzhou Shaolin Temple, the Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum, and Xunpu Fishing Village – a living example of cultural continuity and female-led community strength.
      

Strengthening YARSI University’s International Outlook

Through this program, Universitas YARSI gained valuable insights into:

• AI ethics and digital governance
• Vocational and industry-integrated education models
• Cultural preservation strategies
• Potential collaboration avenues with Chinese institutions

The experience supports YARSI University’s commitment to expanding international partnerships and enhancing its global engagement initiatives.

This academic forum featured renowned international speakers including Prof. Dr. Bishwajeet Pandey from GL Bajaj Institute of Technology and Management, India; Prof. Dr. Man Mohan Shukla from Pranveer Singh Institute of Technology, India; and Prof. Dr. Arthur James Swart from the Central University of Technology, South Africa. These experts shared their views on integrating emerging technologies to foster safer and more innovative learning environments.

Universitas YARSI was represented by Dr. Ummi Azizah Rachmawati, S.Kom., M.Kom., Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology, who delivered a welcome speech at the opening session. Also representing YARSI was Dr. Sri Chusri Haryanti, S.T., M.T., Vice Dean for Research and Collaboration at the Faculty of Information Engineering, who contributed to the event’s opening remarks. Their participation underscored Universitas YARSI’s dedication to international academic collaboration and its active role in promoting digital innovation in education.

Moderated by Danny Aidil Rismayadi, S.Si., M.Kom., Vice Rector for Public Relation, Cooperation and Alumni at Universitas Teknologi Bandung, the session was attended by university leaders, faculty members, and students interested in the intersections of technology and education.

Classified as an international webinar and public lecture, this event served as an important platform for cross-border academic dialogue. Through initiatives like this, Universitas YARSI continues to demonstrate its commitment to global engagement, technological advancement, and academic excellence.

The meeting, held at the Rectorate Meeting Room, was moderated by Dr. Endy Muhammad Astiwara, Vice Rector V of Universitas YARSI, and attended by key university leaders, including Vice Rector I Dr. Wening Sari, Vice Rector IV Prof. Nurul Huda, Head of International Affairs Office Dr. Fitri Arlinkasari, Head of Ruhul Islam Education Center Mr. Aya Yahya Maulana, and Head of Ruhul Islam Development and Study Center Dr. Karimulloh.

The discussions covered the landscape of higher education in Egypt, scholarship opportunities for international students, and various models for academic collaboration between institutions, including joint research, guest lectures, and language training programs.

This meeting marks a significant step in Universitas YARSI’s efforts to strengthen its global engagement and academic presence in the Middle East, particularly in fields related to Islamic scholarship and medical sciences.

Standing before a packed audience of students and lecturers in the Faculty of Medicine Hall at YARSI University (FK-UY), Sama delivered an emotional speech in Arabic, English, and Indonesian. Her speech was not just a personal expression, but also a humanitarian call to reflect on the long-standing tragedy that the Palestinian people have endured for over seven decades.

Nakba means catastrophe. In Arabic, it refers to the events of May 15, 1948, when more than 700,000 Palestinians were expelled from their homeland. Villages were destroyed, families were torn apart, and to this day, millions of Palestinians live as refugees.

Nakba is a historical wound, but also a continued call to fight for justice. “Nakba is not just a story of the past. It is still happening today,” Sama emphasized.

As a resident of Gaza, she described a reality far from peace. “In Gaza, we hear bombs, not music. We see suffering, not peace.”

Although now living and studying in Indonesia, Sama affirmed that her heart remains in Gaza—with her family and the land of her birth, torn by conflict. She stated that even while abroad, she carries the voice of the Palestinian people wherever she goes.

According to Sama, as long as we are alive, there is always hope. “We believe in freedom and peace.”

At the end of her speech, Sama delivered a message of solidarity: “We are with Palestine. Stay strong. Palestine is not alone. Allah is always with those who are patient.”

She also reminded the audience of the importance of empathy among Muslims. “The Muslim community is like one body. When one part is in pain, the whole body feels it.”

The Nakba Day commemoration at YARSI University also featured a screening of a documentary video showing the conditions in Gaza before and after the war. The video highlighted the stark contrast between the lives of Palestinian children before the conflict and the devastation they now face.

Source: https://www.yarsi.ac.id/gelar-peringatan-hari-nakba-bukti-aktif-universitas-yarsi-dukung-palestina

The meeting opened with warm greetings and was attended by prominent figures including the Rector of Universitas YARSI, Prof. dr. Fasli Jalal, Ph.D., along with representatives from various faculties and research centers such as Ahmad Rusdan H. Utomo, Ph.D.  (Vice Rector for Research and Innovation), Fitri Arlinkasari, Ph.D., Psikolog (head f International Office), Dr. Dra. Ndaru Andri Damayanti, M.Sc. (Head of the Master’s Program in Biomedical Sciences), Dr. dr. Diniwati Mukhtar, M.Kes., AIFM. (Head of the Doctoral Program in Biomedical Sciences), and Prof. dr. Sultana MH Faradz, PAK., Ph.D. (Head of the Genetics Research Center). Also present were Dr. Erlina Wijayanti, MPH, Sp.KKLP, Subsp.COPC., from the Family Medicine Specialist Program, and Chandra Prasetyo Utomo, S.Kom., M.S.  representatives from the Center for E-Health & AI, Dr. drg. Helwiah Umniyati, M.PH. from TB Care YARSI, and M. Fathurahman, S.Kom., M.Kom. from Informatics Engineering Department.

The core agenda of the meeting involved a fruitful exchange of ideas on ongoing and future research initiatives, including potential collaboration opportunities and guest lecture prospects with Dr. Sunjaya. As an international academic and a prominent figure in the Indonesian research diaspora, Dr. Sunjaya shared valuable insights and expressed enthusiasm for building cross-border academic ties with Universitas YARSI.

This event marks another significant step in Universitas YARSI’s internationalization efforts, reinforcing its commitment to fostering global research collaborations and enhancing the quality of academic engagement across borders.

During her visit to DSATM, Dr. Ummi continued the ongoing collaboration that had previously included a successful lecturer exchange program in 2023, featuring DSATM lecturers Ms. Nikshepa Thippeswami and Ms. Surabhi Konandur Ramakhrisna Kanti. This meeting aimed to reaffirm mutual commitment to academic and research cooperation.

As part of the agenda, Dr. Ummi also conducted a courtesy visit to Ballari Institute of Technology & Management. The visit included formal discussions on potential collaborative programs and culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Universitas YARSI and BITM. In addition, Dr. Ummi contributed as a guest lecturer, further demonstrating YARSI’s academic engagement and commitment to knowledge sharing on a global scale.

This visit marked another important step in Universitas YARSI’s efforts to build meaningful international partnerships, enhance global academic exchange, and contribute to the advancement of higher education through international collaboration.

The event featured two main sessions. The first session included a Mini Study Exhibition and Panel Discussion, showcasing postgraduate programs, executive education, and scholarship opportunities from several prominent Queensland universities: The University of Queensland (UQ), Central Queensland University (CQU), Griffith University, and James Cook University (JCU). The second session was a networking dinner, where distinguished guests such as the Queensland Trade and Investment Commissioner and His Excellency Mr. Rod Brazier, Australian Ambassador to Indonesia (TBC), were scheduled to deliver welcome remarks.

During the event, Dr. Fitri Arlinkasari actively engaged in discussions and networking activities as part of Universitas YARSI’s ongoing commitment to internationalization. She also explored avenues for future collaboration with participating institutions, reinforcing the university’s dedication to global academic engagement and excellence.

This courtesy visit aimed to explore potential collaboration opportunities between The University of Edinburgh and Universitas YARSI, particularly with the Faculty of Medicine. The discussions focused on possibilities for joint international research, academic exchange, and other forms of academic cooperation, particularly in the area of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care.

The meeting was attended by key figures from Universitas YARSI, including the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. dr. Pratiwi Pujilestari Sudarmono, Ph.D., Sp.M.K(K); Vice Dean II, Dian Widiyanti, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D.; Vice Dean III, dr. Citra Fitri, Sp.K.J.; Head of the Family Medicine and Primary Health Care Specialist Program (SpKKLP), Dr. dr. Erlina Wijayanti, MPH, Sp.KKLP, Subsp.COPC.; and the program’s secretary, dr. Dian Mardhiyah, MKK, Sp.KKLP, Subsp. FOMC, Ph.D.

Also present were the Head of the Planning Center, Ariel Nian Gani, M.Phil., M.Sc., and the Head of the International Affairs Office (KUI), Fitri Arlinkasari, Ph.D., Psychologist, who helped facilitate the visit and discussions. The engagement marked a meaningful step forward in strengthening Universitas YARSI’s international partnerships and academic collaborations in the field of medicine.