E-CON 2025 Marks a New Chapter: EDSA Thanks UIN SSC International Office for Supporting the Event’s First Ever International Implementation
Cirebon, September, 30th 2025 — The International Office at UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon played a pivotal role in bridging E-CON 2025 (English Contest), organized by the English Department Student Association (EDSA). The collaboration was guided under the leadership of Lala Bumela, Ph.D., Director of the International Office, who ensured that the event could expand its reach beyond national boundaries. On a recent visit, Muhammad Fadil, Chairman of EDSA, and Asyrof Bahauddin Mubarok, a member of EDSA, personally visited the International Office to present a token of appreciation. The successful execution of the event electrified the campus community, marking a milestone as EDSA became one of the few student organizations to transform an annual competition into an international-scale contest. Lala Bumela praised the achievement, stating, “This is history for EDSA. They have successfully taken their event to the international stage, demonstrating initiative, creativity, and organizational excellence that sets a precedent for future student activities.”
Muhammad Fadil expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the International Office for their unwavering support. “Without the guidance and resources provided by the International Office, bringing E-CON to an international level would have been impossible,” he said. The delegation recounted how the office facilitated communication with international participants, assisted with online platforms, and helped coordinate schedules to accommodate time zones, ensuring smooth engagement for all parties. The recognition and support from Lala Bumela and his team reinforced the students’ motivation to innovate and expand the reach of their department’s annual competition.
Reflecting on the achievement, Lala Bumela emphasized the broader significance of the collaboration. “Supporting student initiatives like E-CON is not just about logistics; it’s about fostering global-mindedness and enabling students to experience cross-cultural collaboration firsthand. This event is a testament to the potential of UIN SSC students to think beyond borders and execute professional, internationally relevant projects.” He highlighted that such initiatives strengthen the university’s vision for internationalization and encourage students to pursue excellence in both academic and extracurricular endeavors.
The planning process for E-CON 2025 involved meticulous preparation, from coordinating with international participants to ensuring proper digital infrastructure for hybrid events. Students faced numerous challenges, including aligning schedules, managing technical platforms, and preparing contest materials that meet international standards. Despite these hurdles, EDSA’s determination, combined with the mentoring and support from the International Office, ensured a seamless event that engaged participants across multiple countries. The campus community observed the energy and dedication of students as they navigated every challenge with creativity and resilience.
The successful implementation of E-CON 2025 has now positioned EDSA as a benchmark for other student organizations seeking to expand their initiatives internationally. Faculty members, student leaders, and campus staff recognized the achievement as a model for future collaborations. Lala Bumela noted that these efforts not only enhance students’ organizational and leadership skills but also contribute to UIN SSC’s broader mission of internationalization, academic excellence, and cultural exchange. The event demonstrated how institutional support and student initiative could work in harmony to produce impactful, global-level outcomes.
Concluding the visit, Lala Bumela reiterated the significance of E-CON 2025 as a transformative experience. “This accomplishment highlights the power of collaboration, vision, and perseverance. We are proud of EDSA for taking their creativity and dedication to an international platform. Initiatives like these reflect the spirit of our students and the mission of UIN SSC to nurture leaders capable of thriving in global contexts,” he affirmed. The gesture of appreciation from EDSA symbolizes a shared commitment to innovation, academic growth, and the ongoing pursuit of excellence.
Author: Muhammad Azkiya Bahtsulkhoir