After an excellent run last year, this year, the collaboration program under WUACD between its two partners, Federation University and Universitas Airlangga, named FED-AIR has come for the 4th time. FED-AIR provides a collaborative space for inter-university students to exchange knowledge, culture, and experiences, aiming to reinforce international ties, deepen intercultural awareness, and advance innovative scientific partnerships.

On January 6, 2026, the FED-AIR program started perfectly with singing the national anthem Indonesia Raya and Airlangga Hymne at the opening ceremony. Later on during the ceremony, Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Community Development and Chairperson of WUACD Prof. dr. Muhammad Miftahussurur, MKes., SpPD-KGEH., PhD delivered the opening remarks, welcoming all participants both lectures and students joining the program. The speech underscored the role of young scholars in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening global partnerships, while conveying strong hopes that FED-AIR 2026 would run smoothly and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of scientific collaboration and intercultural dialogue.

Afterwards, a speech was delivered by the Representative of Federation University, which highlighted the importance of international academic collaboration in an increasingly interconnected world. In the address, the representative expressed appreciation for the organizers and participating institutions, emphasizing that FED-AIR serves as a vital platform for students to exchange knowledge, culture, and innovative ideas across borders.

A significant highlight of the event was the exchange of tokens of appreciation between the Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Community Development representing the WUACD Secretariat, and representative from the Faculty of Public Health, the Faculty of Nursing, and the Faculty of Vocational Studies. This symbolic gesture reflected mutual respect and appreciation, as well as a shared commitment to strengthening academic and institutional collaboration between Universitas Airlangga and Federation University.

The opening ceremony concluded with a group photo, symbolizing the solidarity and togetherness. The atmosphere of collaboration was further enriched by a traditional dance performance, offering international participants a firsthand experience of Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage, reinforcing the spirit of intercultural exchange that lies at the heart of the FED-AIR program.

With a strong foundation built through institutional support, academic engagement, and cultural exchange, FED-AIR 2026 is expected to serve as a meaningful platform for fostering international collaboration, enhancing student mobility, and advancing innovative scientific partnerships. Through multidisciplinary collaboration with a firm background in Public Health, Nursing, and Vocational studies, FED-AIR 2026 focuses on the theme of healthcare. This theme includes the Monitoring Program for Stunting, aligned with Indonesia’s President 4th Asta Cita, which focuses on the development of human resources across the country, in alignment with the community being served in Indonesia by visiting several healthcares in Surabaya area. In this regard, the program also provides a platform for Federation University’s students to implement their knowledge and skills they learn at their home university.

In alignment with WUACD’s mission and its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), FED-AIR 2026 serves as a strategic initiative to foster global collaboration in education, research, and community development. By encouraging cross-cultural interaction and joint academic activities, the program aims to prepare students to become globally minded individuals capable of contributing to international cooperation.

Looking ahead, FED-AIR 2026 will feature a series of academic sessions, collaborative projects, and intercultural activities designed to enhance participants’ academic experience and global perspective. Through these initiatives, FED-AIR is expected to further strengthen mutual understanding, promote student mobility, and support the development of innovative and impactful scientific collaborations.