To broaden student leaders’ international perspectives and strengthen their understanding of local sustainability and multiculturalism, the Office of Student Affairs at National Yunlin University of Science and Technology (YunTech) organized a visit to Indonesia on October 12. Led by Professor Lan-Tung Lin, Dean of Student Affairs, the delegation comprised 15 outstanding student leaders representing the Student Association, Student Council, and various student clubs and organizations. The delegation visited the Faculty of Languages and Arts at Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES), a renowned Indonesian university, for an in-depth academic exchange and an immersive exploration of Javanese culture.

The visit received a warm welcome and considerable attention from the Indonesian host university. Professor Heri Yanto, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Languages and Arts; Dr. Mohamad Yusuf, Vice Dean for Business and Partnerships; Dr. Eko Raharjo, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs; and Dr. Intan, Head of International Cooperation and a 2025 YunTech graduate, attended the official opening and welcome ceremony in person. Nearly 20 student representatives, including the president of the UNNES Student Association and leaders of various student organizations, also participated. Their presence highlighted the strong and dynamic institutional partnership between the two universities.

At the opening ceremony, Professor Lan-Tung Lin delivered an engaging speech in English that underscored the importance of youth leadership and international engagement. Citing the well-known proverb, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” she described the visit as feeling more like a warm reunion among old friends. She emphasized that higher education extends far beyond the classroom and that true leadership, empathy, and global citizenship must be cultivated through real-world, cross-cultural interactions. Looking ahead, she expressed YunTech’s strong commitment to expanding its partnership with UNNES into broader areas of student affairs and student organization engagement. She also highlighted the importance of institutionalizing these meaningful connections to establish sustainable channels for student exchanges between the two universities.

During the exchange session, YunTech’s 15 student leaders delivered engaging presentations in fluent English and screened a specially edited video showcasing campus life and student club activities. Through these presentations, they introduced their Indonesian counterparts to the creativity and achievements of Taiwan’s technology-oriented higher education sector. Following the signing of an agreement between the two parties, the Faculty of Languages and Arts at UNNES arranged the JAVANA TOUR: Javanese Cultural Immersion Experience for all members of the YunTech delegation. Guided by leading UNNES academic experts, participants had the opportunity to operate traditional Indonesian shadow puppets (Wayang) and perform together on the Gamelan, a traditional Indonesian musical ensemble with a rich historical heritage. The delegation then traveled by chartered bus to Kandri Village, a well-known ecotourism destination, where participants joined local residents in traditional Indonesian games and sampled authentic Javanese cuisine.

YunTech noted that the visit had yielded meaningful outcomes. Through this diplomatic and cultural exchange, YunTech’s student leaders demonstrated that international engagement means “not just seeing with their eyes, but also listening with their ears, sharing with their hands, and connecting with their hearts.” Their participation showcased the confidence and soft power of Taiwan’s younger generation on the international stage. The visit also aligned with national higher education goals to enhance student mobility and advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Building on this solid foundation, the two universities will continue to promote regular bilateral exchanges involving student organizations and student affairs. Through sustained collaboration, they aim to nurture future leaders equipped with global mobility, intercultural understanding, and an inclusive mindset.