International Office and Partnership UIN SSC, the University of Adelaide (Australia), and International Cultural Communication Center Malaysia (ICCCM) Host Student Training on Intercultural Excellence in the 4.0 Era
Cirebon, January 20, 2025 — The International Office and Partnership (IOP) of UIN SSC organized a highly significant event titled Global Mindset Mastery: Equipping UIN SSC Students with Intercultural Excellence. This event aimed to equip students with skills to address the increasingly relevant challenges of intercultural communication in a connected world. Held at the International Office and Partnership (IOP) office, on the fifth floor of the cyber building, the event welcomed participants including local and international students from five faculties, campus officials, and notable academics. This international agenda was a continuation of the MoU signed by UIN SSC and ICCCM in 2024.
The event began with a warm and professional opening address by the IOP Director, Dr. Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. Her remarks set the tone for the program, focusing on the importance of understanding and applying the principles of intercultural communication in the context of a continually evolving global society. He stated, “This discussion is not about the International Office, nor about UIN SSC, but about how to make Indonesia a better place in the future for the next generation.” This was followed by an inspiring keynote speech by Prof. Rudolf Wirawan, an academic from the University of Adelaide, Australia. In his speech, Prof. Wirawan emphasized that adaptability to cultural diversity is a crucial skill, particularly amidst the rapid pace of globalization. He also highlighted the vital role of education in preparing students to contribute to creating a more inclusive and harmonious world through a deeper understanding of cultures.
Prof. Rudolf Wirawan urged participants not only to understand cultural differences but also to celebrate diversity as a strength that can facilitate more effective international collaboration. He praised UIN SSC for providing a platform like this, which not only bridges theory and practice but also gives students the space to appreciate and embrace global diversity. His speech reinforced the idea that in the global era, intercultural communication skills are not just additional competencies but essential ones.
Following the keynote, the event continued with a training session led by Mr. Ivan Chabibilah, S.S., M.Li., a renowned academic and practitioner in intercultural communication from the International Cultural Communication Center Malaysia (ICCCM). Known for his innovative approach, Mr. Chabibilah integrated elements of local languages such as Javanese and Sundanese into his explanations. This demonstrated how rich and diverse local languages could serve as bridges in global communication.
The training emphasized the basic principles of intercultural communication, focusing on tolerance, adaptability, and understanding different cultural norms. Participants were presented with various case studies and practical strategies they could apply in their daily lives, both in personal and professional interactions. One of the main themes highlighted was how to respect differences and communicate effectively while showing appreciation for other cultures. Mr. Chabibilah used humor and relatable examples to explain complex concepts in a way that was easily understood by all participants.
A particularly memorable moment in the session was when Mr. Chabibilah shared his personal experiences in resolving conflicts through intercultural understanding. He explained how communication based on understanding different cultures could be the key to finding solutions for complex problems. This resonated with the students, many of whom will soon enter professional worlds rich in diversity.
Participants were also given the opportunity to engage in interactive discussions throughout the training session. They shared their perspectives and experiences on challenges they faced when communicating with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. These discussions greatly enriched the event, as participants learned not only from the speakers but also from one another's experiences. Topics discussed extended beyond intercultural communication, encompassing leadership, self-improvement, and social challenges in education and the global workforce.
Mr. Chabibilah also addressed the importance of recognizing personal cultural biases and how such biases could influence interactions with others. He encouraged participants to critically evaluate their mindsets and remain open to learning from other cultures. This was presented as an essential step in building healthier and more productive relationships in the future.
The event received full support from university officials and faculty members from faculties such as Tarbiyah, Syariah, and Dakwah and Islamic Communication. Their presence emphasized that intercultural communication and global competency development are crucial across all disciplines. Their support also highlighted the university's commitment to creating an academic environment that is inclusive and open to diversity.
As the event progressed, the atmosphere became more dynamic and collaborative. Students from various countries and cultural backgrounds shared their experiences and perspectives on intercultural communication challenges. These discussions created a safe and welcoming space for exchanging ideas and broadening horizons. All participants showed great enthusiasm to learn more about how they could become better agents of change in this increasingly globalized world.
The event concluded with a closing speech from the IOP Director, expressing gratitude to the speakers, participants, and all parties supporting the program. The IOP team emphasized the importance of continuing similar initiatives in the future to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the global era.
The success of Global Mindset Mastery highlights UIN SSC’s commitment to fostering an academic community that values not only knowledge but also openness and adaptability to diversity. Through this program, students not only gained relevant knowledge and skills for navigating the global world but also learned the importance of maintaining an inclusive and respectful attitude amid differences. This event represents a tangible step in preparing future generations to be leaders who can contribute positively to building a more harmonious world.
For the participants, the experience gained from this event was invaluable. They left inspired and ready to apply the lessons learned in their daily lives, whether in academic or professional contexts. The impact of this initiative is expected to extend far beyond the university, as participants carry these lessons into their journeys, becoming more open, adaptive, and understanding individuals in a broader global context.
