Semarang – The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) at Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) welcomed a delegation from the School of Geography, South China Normal University (SCNU), China, for an Academic Visit and Research Exchange on Friday, 17 July 2026, at Room 301, C1 Building, 3rd Floor, FISIP UNNES. The visit marked an important milestone in strengthening international cooperation in higher education, research, and academic mobility between the two institutions.
The FISIP UNNES delegation was represented by Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Alumni, Dr.scient.med. Fadly Husain, M.Si., and Vice Dean for Planning, Finance, and General Affairs, Dr.sos. Puji Lestari, M.Si. Also attending were the Coordinators of the Undergraduate Programs in Geography Education and Geography, the Master’s Program in Geography Education, the Doctoral Program in Social Studies Education, the Head of the Integrated Laboratory, members of the World Class University (WCU), Mobility and International Cooperation Task Force, members of the Public Relations Task Force, and several faculty members, including Prof. Dr. Juhadi, M.Si., Dr. Wahyu Setyaningsih, S.T., M.T., Dr. Ariyani Indrayati, S.Si., M.Sc., Dr. Hariyanto, M.Si., and Elok Surya Pratiwi, S.Si., M.Sc.
The SCNU delegation was led by Prof. Liu Yungang, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Geography, accompanied by five members of his research team.
The program commenced with an introduction to FISIP UNNES, highlighting its academic profile, research achievements, and international engagement. Representatives of the Geography and Geography Education Study Programs also presented their academic offerings, research strengths, and ongoing international initiatives. In return, the SCNU delegation introduced the School of Geography, outlining its educational programs, research priorities, and global partnerships.
The meeting continued with productive discussions on potential areas of collaboration. One of the primary topics was the development of an International Student Mobility Program, including student exchanges, academic visits, and opportunities to enrich students’ cross-cultural learning experiences. The two institutions also explored prospects for collaborative research in geography, environmental studies, regional development, and other contemporary issues of mutual interest.
As part of the visit, the SCNU delegation toured the Geography Laboratory at FISIP UNNES to observe its teaching and research facilities. The laboratory visit provided an opportunity to showcase UNNES’s research infrastructure and demonstrated the faculty’s readiness to support joint research projects, academic innovation, and future international collaborative programs.
Expressing his appreciation for the visit, Prof. Liu Yungang, Ph.D., commended the warm hospitality extended by FISIP UNNES and expressed optimism about future cooperation.
“We are deeply impressed by the warm hospitality extended by FISIP UNNES. The faculty has developed remarkably well, and we see tremendous opportunities for future collaboration, particularly in student exchange programs and joint research. We are especially interested in conducting geographical research in Indonesia, particularly on the island of Java,” he said.
Representatives of FISIP UNNES emphasized that the visit represents a strategic step toward expanding the faculty’s global partnerships while creating broader opportunities for students and academics to participate in international academic activities. Through this collaboration, both institutions expect to develop joint programs that will enhance educational quality, increase international research publications, and generate innovative research with global impact.
The Academic Visit and Research Exchange reflects Universitas Negeri Semarang’s commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting quality higher education and academic internationalization, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through collaborative research and innovation, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening strategic partnerships between higher education institutions across national borders. The collaboration between FISIP UNNES and the School of Geography at South China Normal University is expected to serve as a strong foundation for long-term cooperation, contributing to scientific advancement, human resource development, and innovative solutions to global challenges through sustainable education and research.
