The opportunity to study in a prestigious university abroad, is the zenith desire of every students in Indonesia, as we can experience new culture, prep ourselves to international competition and broaden our knowledge horizon with reknown lecturers and professors. With that in mind, International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) was formulated by the Directorate General of Higher Education (DGHE), Ministry of Education and Culture (MoEC) through the Kampus Merdeka: Merdeka Belajar (MBKM) Program.

In the spirit of international mobility and commitment to espouse the soon to be held IISMA 2022 program, on February 4, 2022, University Al-Azhar Indonesia (UAI) held Webinar on Socialization of IISMA 2022 Program. In that regard, Andi Rahadiyan Wijaya, S.T., M.Sc., Lic., Ph.D as the Coordinator of the 2021 IISMA Program Sub-Working Group for Kemendikbud was invited as the keynote speaker. Joining Mr. Andi as speaker are Dr. Zirmansyah, M.Pd. as the Vice Rector I for Academic Field of UAI and Vice Rector IV for Innovation and Cooperation Field of UAI, Dr. Ir. Ade Jamal.

UAI students who are selected as the IISMA Awardees 2021 were also invited as speaker, they are Keiko Annissa Arfananda, who studied in University of Limerick, Ireland and Ida Ayu Mas Amelia Kusumaningtyas, who studied in Daugavpils University, Latvia. The webinar started with a speech from Dr. Zirman, he conveyed the development of MBKM Program in UAI. Afterwards, it was continued with an opening remarks by Rector of UAI, Prof. Dr. Ir. Asep Saefuddin, M.Sc.

Prof. Asep remarked the importance of every faculties member in UAI to support this program, in order for UAI students able to become IISMA 2022 awardee and become the future leaders of Indonesia that will contribute to Indonesia citizen. Then, Mr. Andi delivered his presentation on IISMA 2022 socialization.

Subsequently, Keiko and Amelia present their topic on the tips, impression and message on the IISMA 2021 program for UAI students preparation for the IISMA 2022 program. Such as, how to overcome our fears as we are far away from home studying abroad and what to expect when we study abroad. Next, Dr. Ade conveyed his speech on the prospects of cooperation that can be carried out by UAI and IISMA partner universities abroad.

Afterwards, QnA session was conducted by the moderator, then the event was concluded with awarding plaques of appreciation to keynote speaker, concluded with a photo session of all participants. The webinar remarked UAI perseverance and dedication to support Kemendikbud programs and stimulate its students to study abroad in a reputable university. Registration portal for MoEC IISMA 2022 opens in March 2022.

-Bagus Ramadhan-