Through existing collaboration, Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya (UKWMS), Indonesia, once again held the 2024 International Joint Activity (IJA) through a collaboration with three foreign campuses: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Osaka Institute of Technology, and Shibaura Institute of Technology. This time, IJA carries the theme “Creative Waste Utilization & Sustainability” in support of the SDG movement.

The program focused on how to creatively recycle and reuse the waste products found on campus areas. “Participants can get new ideas related to waste recycling and conduct activities that can increase their understanding of sustainable living culture,” said Ayu Gayatri, IAO staff.

Participants were divided into six small groups to produce their ideas. One group produced aromatherapy candles and bath soaps using reprocessed cooking oil waste. Another group who won the Best Presentation, contributed a campaign called “Trashure” to sort waste products on campus, in which the name combines the words trash and treasure. Through this campaign, they communicated the importance of a waste-sorting process that can transform wastes into useful and commercialized products.

IJA 2024 took place from 25th of February until 3rd of March 2024, attended by 19 Japanese and Taiwanese students, 30 accompanying students from UKWMS, and 18 students from 8 local high schools in Surabaya. “This activity aims to increase international exposure for UKWMS students and their experience of interacting with foreign students. Students are able to train their self-confidence, English language skills and social skills,” said Erlyn Erawan, the Head of IAO. IJA itself is a series of international short programs conducted yearly between UKWMS and the other 3 partner universities since before the pandemic, where each university takes turns to host a similar program throughout the year.

Taken and modified from the original article written in Bahasa Indonesia from the website of Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya.

Source: UKWMS