International Office UIN SSC Updates FDKI Team on Student Exchange Program with ICCCM Malaysia
Cirebon, Sepetember, 19th 2025 — Under the leadership of Lala Bumela, Ph.D., Director of the International Office and Partnership at UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, the International Office provided a comprehensive update on the upcoming Student Exchange Program scheduled for October 2025. Nearly every faculty of UIN SSC has nominated representatives to participate, including the Faculty of Da’wah and Islamic Communication (FDKI). The program will be conducted virtually in collaboration with the International Cultural Communication Center Malaysia (ICCCM), enabling a rich cross-border learning experience. Dean of FDKI, Dr. Naila Farah, M.A., personally visited the International Office to receive the latest updates. According to Lala Bumela, “This exchange program is not only about mobility; it is about fostering intercultural understanding and building long-term cooperation between our students and their peers in Malaysia.”
The Student Exchange Program between UIN SSC and ICCCM Malaysia is designed to introduce students to diverse perspectives on Islamic communication, cultural diplomacy, and leadership. By utilizing a virtual platform, the program overcomes geographical barriers and makes international exposure more accessible to a larger number of participants. Faculty members and administrators from both institutions have been working closely to align curricula and ensure that academic credits, mentoring systems, and assessment standards are mutually recognized. This initiative also reflects UIN SSC’s commitment to integrating global learning opportunities into its cyber-university model.
During the meeting, the International Office provided an overview of the planned structure of the Student Exchange Program, explaining how the collaboration with ICCCM Malaysia will combine academic sessions, cultural immersion activities, and mentoring between participants from both institutions. Rather than only attending lectures, students will be introduced to a variety of interactive formats—such as virtual discussions, collaborative assignments, and guided reflections—designed to strengthen their intercultural awareness and practical skills. Lala Bumela remarked, “We want this program to be more than a classroom experience. By working together on real issues, students will develop critical thinking, communication skills, and empathy that are essential in today’s interconnected world.”
Dr. Naila Farah, M.A., expressed her appreciation for the International Office’s proactive coordination and highlighted the enthusiasm of FDKI students to participate in the exchange. She also noted that the program aligns with FDKI’s vision of producing graduates who are not only grounded in Islamic values but also capable of engaging in global discourse. The collaboration with ICCCM Malaysia offers a unique opportunity for FDKI students to experience the dynamics of international cultural communication firsthand without leaving their own campus.
The International Office has also been working on logistical and technical aspects to ensure the program’s smooth implementation. This includes preparing an online learning management system tailored to the exchange, coordinating time zones for synchronous sessions, and securing guest lecturers from both Indonesia and Malaysia. In addition, the office is exploring potential pathways for extending the virtual program into a physical exchange in the following year, depending on funding and policy support.
As the October launch approaches, both UIN SSC and ICCCM Malaysia are confident that the Student Exchange Program will serve as a model for future partnerships between Islamic higher education institutions in Southeast Asia. Lala Bumela concluded, “We are excited to see how this collaboration will empower our students. It is not just about attending lectures; it is about building networks, understanding diversity, and shaping a new generation of leaders who can bridge cultures.”
Author: Muhammad Azkiya Bahtsulkhoir