Unismuh Makassar Faculty of Engineering Strengthens International Cooperation with Kanazawa Institute of Technology, Japan

TEKNIK.UNISMUH.AC.ID, JAPAN — Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar (Unismuh Makassar), through its Faculty of Engineering, is strengthening international cooperation with the Kanazawa Institute of Technology (KIT) in Japan via a delegation visit to Japan on October 12–13, 2026. This visit aims to build academic collaboration, research, community service, and innovation and technology development between the two institutions.

The Unismuh Makassar delegation was led by Rector Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ir. H. Abd. Rakhim Nanda, S.T., M.T., IPU., accompanied by university and faculty leadership. From the Faculty of Engineering, the delegation included Dean Ir. Muh. Syafaat S. Kuba, S.T., M.T.; First Vice Dean Dr. Ir. Ar. Hj. Irnawaty Idrus, S.T., M.T., IPM., IAI.; and Second Vice Dean Dr. Ir. A. Makbul Syamsuri, S.T., M.T., IPM. The involvement of faculty leadership and lecturers demonstrates the Faculty's commitment to expanding academic networks and opening opportunities for collaboration with international universities.

The visit agenda began on October 12, 2026, with a welcome ceremony and the opening of the Sakura Science program, followed by research presentations by KIT academics: Prof. Takashi Kawanami from the field of Information and Computer Science, and Prof. Taro Fujimoto from the field of Artificial Intelligence. The delegation also toured laboratories to learn about the facilities and research activities developed within the KIT environment.

On October 13, 2026, the activities continued with research presentations from several KIT academics representing fields such as architecture, robotics, computer science, applied chemistry, and technology. Among the participating academics were Prof. Motofumi Marui, Prof. Ryoichi Suzuki, Prof. Hiroaki Mukai, Prof. Syunichi Oshima, and Prof. Jun Teshirogi. The series of events concluded with an honorary visit to the President of KIT, followed by an evaluation and closing session.

Amidst the visit agenda, Unismuh Makassar and the Kanazawa Institute of Technology also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as a form of commitment from both institutions to build academic and institutional cooperation. This signing serves as the foundation for strengthening collaboration in education, research, community service, and innovation and technology development.

This visit also involved several representatives from the Faculty of Engineering who play roles in program development, research, and community service. These include Ir. Agussalim, S.T., M.T.; Sumardi, S.T., M.Sc.; Ir. Rahmania, S.T., M.T.; Ir. Andi Abdul Halik Lateko, S.T., M.T., Ph.D.; Ir. Nini Apriani Rumata, S.T., M.T.; and Fathurrahman Burhanuddin, S.T., M.T. This cross-disciplinary meeting opened opportunities for knowledge exchange and exploration of potential cooperation based on each party's expertise.

Through strengthening ties with the Kanazawa Institute of Technology, the Faculty of Engineering at Unismuh Makassar is expected to expand opportunities for research collaboration, academic exchanges, capacity building for lecturers and students, and the implementation of other international programs. This cooperation represents a strategic step by the Faculty of Engineering in promoting globally oriented education and research quality.

The signing of the MoU was also highlighted as a key event amidst the activities.