A delegation from Yogyakarta State University (UNY) took part in the QS Higher Education Summit: Asia Pacific 2025, held at Korea University, South Korea, on 2–8 November 2025. The forum, themed “Advancing Generational Potential: Skills and Partnerships in the Asia Pacific,” served as a global platform for collaboration among higher education leaders and academics from around the world.
The UNY delegation was led by Prof. Soni Nopembri, Chair of the UNY Ranking Team, and included Prof. Mochamad Bruri Triyono, Prof. Anita Triastuti, and Isti Yunita, Ph.D., all members of the UNY QS Ranking Team. Their participation aimed to strengthen international academic networks, gain updates on QS Ranking methodologies, and explore best practices from leading global universities.
During the summit, the UNY delegation actively engaged in various sessions, including Plenary and Leadership Dialogues that discussed the transformation of higher education in the Asia-Pacific region toward future-ready universities. Renowned institutions such as the National University of Singapore (NUS), Kyoto University, and the University of Melbourne shared innovative strategies in digital learning and cross-disciplinary innovation.
According to Prof. Soni Nopembri, the forum provided valuable insights for UNY to further integrate vocational skills, digital technology, and character education, in line with UNY’s vision of becoming a world-class university. “UNY can draw inspiration from these global practices to develop AI-based learning systems and immersive learning environments that remain centered on human values,” he said.
Meanwhile, in the Leadership Dialogue, UNY observed adaptive leadership practices from Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Chulalongkorn University, which are relevant to the development of UNY’s Technopreneurial Leadership Framework. The forum also highlighted the importance of integrating sustainability into university governance, with case studies from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and RMIT University on green campus initiatives and inclusive learning policies.
The UNY delegation also participated in a QS Ranking Workshop, which provided updates on the latest indicators, including Employment Outcomes, International Research Network, and Social Impact. These insights will inform UNY’s strategy to enhance its global reputation, particularly in research performance, international collaboration, and institutional sustainability.
On the sidelines of the summit, UNY held strategic academic discussions with Seoul National University regarding potential joint research in AI and biomedical devices, opportunities for double degree and student mobility programs, as well as the development of a Vocational Teacher Training Program. These discussions also opened prospects for MEXT scholarships and visiting scholar exchanges.
Based on the outcomes of the summit and workshops, UNY has formulated several strategic initiatives, including integrating sustainability indicators into the UNY Strategic Plan 2026–2030, establishing a cross-unit QS Task Force involving the International Affairs Office, Research and Community Service Institute (LPPM), Planning Bureau, and faculties, and optimizing data intelligence systems to support QS Ranking submissions.
UNY’s participation in the QS Summit not only enhances the university’s international profile, but also reinforces its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
The presence of UNY at this prestigious international forum underscores the university’s role as an ambassador of Indonesian educational diplomacy, promoting innovation, sustainability, and cross-border collaboration.
