NERS NEWS — Monday, July 13, 2026 — The Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga (Unair), officially launched the first day of the International Student Forum (ISF) 2026 in a hybrid format at Dewa Ruci Hall, Airlangga Convention Center (ACC), Campus C, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya. The forum brought together international students, national speakers, and international speakers through a series of seminars, competitions, and cultural exchange activities.
The first day began with participant registration, followed by the opening ceremony hosted by the master of ceremonies and an official welcome address from the Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, represented by the Vice Dean III, Dr. Nuzul Qur’aniati, S.Kep., Ns., M.Ng., Ph.D. The program continued with a briefing session introducing ISF 2026, followed by a presentation from the Aussie Banget Corner (ABC) highlighting the strengthening of academic collaboration between Indonesia and Australia.
The seminar sessions featured two keynote speakers. The international speaker, Dr. Gulzar Malik, BScN, BA, MNsg, PhD, FHEA from La Trobe University, delivered a presentation entitled “Digital Health Innovation for Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Community Care.” This was followed by the national speaker, Setho Hadisuyatmana, S.Kep., Ns., M.NS (CommHlth&PC)., Ph.D., who presented “Strengthening Global Partnerships and Nursing Leadership in Addressing NCD Challenges.” Both sessions concluded with interactive discussions and question-and-answer sessions involving participants.
In addition to the academic sessions, the first day of ISF 2026 included a token of appreciation ceremony and group photo session with the speakers, ice-breaking activities, group formation, and cultural activities involving students from various countries. In the afternoon, participants took part in a scientific poster competition, where each team creatively presented their research. The program continued with a campus tour introducing international students to the academic environment and facilities of the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga. The day’s activities concluded with a networking and cultural sharing session, featuring a fashion show in which participants showcased traditional attire from their respective countries. Students were also invited to explain the cultural significance of their outfits, allowing participants to exchange knowledge and appreciation of diverse cultural backgrounds.
By bringing together international students alongside national and international experts, ISF 2026 aims to broaden participants’ academic perspectives in healthcare while promoting intercultural exchange. Through seminars, poster competitions, and the campus tour, the forum is expected to strengthen international collaboration and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being and SDG 4: Quality Education.
The successful implementation of the first day of the International Student Forum 2026 marks a promising beginning for the forum, which will continue virtually on its second day. Through this initiative, the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, reaffirms its commitment to strengthening international academic networks, fostering innovation in healthcare, and creating opportunities for cultural exchange among students from around the world, while contributing to global health education and the achievement of the SDGs.
Writer: Fadilatul Azzahra
