More Than Just a Competition: A Transformative Partnership Between UIN SSC Students and the International Office for Global Academic Engagement
Cirebon, July, 16th, 2025 — A significant academic encounter unfolded on the 5th floor of the SBSN Building, where the International Office and Partnership of UIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon (UIN SSC) welcomed a delegation from two student associations: the English Department Student Association (EDSA) of the English Language Teaching Department and the Mathematics Education Student Association. The session was led by Lala Bumela, Ph.D., Director of the International Office and Partnership UIN SSC, whose leadership framed the discussion with a clear vision of global engagement. Representing EDSA were Muhammad Surya Fadil Ramadhan (Chairperson) and Syakilah Azzahra (EDSA Member), while the Mathematics Education Department was represented by Mohammad Danu Arrahman (Chief Event Organizer) and Zahwa Safinah (Event Treasurer). The primary agenda was to consult and collaborate with the International Office in developing internationally oriented academic competitions—transforming internal initiatives into cross-border academic platforms.
The consultation focused on two distinct but complementary academic initiatives: EDSA's International Speech Competition, which aims to sharpen students’ rhetorical and intercultural communication skills, and the Mathematics Education Department’s multifaceted academic event featuring Scientific Writing, Essay Competitions, and Digital Poster Presentations. During the session, Lala Bumela, Ph.D. provided strategic guidance, touching on key areas such as logistical coherence, international branding, stakeholder communication, and ethical event governance. “Internationalization is not about the number of flags on a banner; it’s about how deeply our processes reflect academic integrity, technical quality, and cultural respect,” he remarked, stressing the importance of substance over mere appearance.
The dialogue advanced with constructive planning, where participants critically analyzed their event structures based on global best practices. Both student groups embraced the challenge of aligning their event objectives with international academic expectations, with support from the International Office in ensuring content relevance, language clarity, and participant inclusivity. Strategies for regional outreach, particularly within Southeast Asia and South Asia, were also discussed to broaden the competitive scope and foster international academic networks.
Beyond technical planning, the meeting evolved into a discourse on the transformative power of student-led diplomacy. The International Office encouraged both associations to view their competitions as more than isolated events, but as platforms for intercultural dialogue, academic confidence, and institutional identity. “Our students must see themselves not only as organizers but as academic diplomats. Through these initiatives, they represent the spirit, intellect, and character of UIN SSC to the global academic community,” stated Lala Bumela, Ph.D., reaffirming the strategic value of international student collaboration.
The International Office pledged full support in assisting both associations to navigate international correspondence, develop press and media kits, and prepare technical documentation in English. Workshops on proposal refinement, intercultural etiquette, and academic writing were also proposed as part of the mentoring phase. These interventions are envisioned to enhance both the institutional quality and international competitiveness of the upcoming events.
Ultimately, the meeting exemplified how student initiatives, when guided with vision and institutional support, can evolve into meaningful contributions to UIN SSC’s internationalization agenda. Spearheaded by Lala Bumela, Ph.D., this collaboration sets a precedent for how academic engagement, student leadership, and global partnerships can merge to create scholarly experiences that are not only competitive but transformative—both for the individuals involved and for the university at large.
