Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia — The Undergraduate Digital Business Study Program of the Faculty of Islamic Economics and Business (FEBI) at UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta reaffirmed its commitment to expanding academic networks and advancing the internationalization of education through its active participation in the ILMXCHANGE International Mobility Program 2026. The program was held at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) in Kuching, Sarawak, from August 19–23, 2026.

Carrying the theme “Strengthening Networks of Knowledge, Communities, and Shared Cultural Heritage,” this international mobility program brought together the academic community of UNIMAS and delegations from leading Indonesian universities, including UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta, Universitas Muhammadiyah Pontianak, and Universitas Nasional Jakarta.

Academic Contribution: AI Research Presentation and International Learning Experience

The delegation from UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta was led by Puspa Novita Sari, S.Si., M.M., CPSMM, AWP, Secretary of the Undergraduate Digital Business Study Program and faculty mentor, accompanied by students from various study programs, including Adelia Nindya F. from the Digital Business Study Program.

During the Knowledge Sharing and Visiting Lecturer sessions, the Digital Business Study Program presented a strategic research project entitled “AI-Driven Personalization in E-Commerce: Understanding the Privacy–Benefit Paradox through Cognitive Dissonance.” The presentation explored the dynamics of artificial intelligence adoption in digital business and highlighted the importance of ethical data governance in Indonesia.

In addition, students participated in collaborative activities involving product promotion and marketing strategy development through creative digital content, working alongside students from UNIMAS and Universitas Muhammadiyah Pontianak. The products introduced included Jujugan Cafe, The FEBI Foods, as well as environmentally friendly business products such as organic soap.

Broadening Perspectives in Science, Community Engagement, and Cultural Diplomacy

The ILMXCHANGE 2026 program was comprehensively designed to provide participants with practical, hands-on learning experiences beyond the classroom through an experiential learning approach. Throughout the program, the delegation took part in several key activities:

• Science and Technology Exploration: An educational visit to the Sarawak Science Centre, where participants learned about research commercialization and modern technological innovation.
• Cross-Border Community Engagement (Khidmat Komuniti): Participants interacted and worked collaboratively with the residents of Kampung Boyan, Kuching, fostering social empathy and strengthening intercultural communication skills.
• Historical and Cultural Exploration: A visit to the Brooke Museum to gain a deeper understanding of the historical, social, and cultural background of the Sarawak community.
• Cultural Exchange: The delegation showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Indonesian archipelago through the traditional Tor-Tor Dance, performed alongside Sarawak’s distinctive silat martial arts tradition. The activity also contributed to the promotion of values aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Advancing Internationalization and Recognition of the Digital Business Study Program

Participation in ILMXCHANGE 2026 represents a concrete step by the Digital Business Study Program of UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta in preparing globally competitive graduates who are adaptive to the rapidly evolving digital ecosystem.

Puspa Novita Sari, Secretary of the Digital Business Study Program, emphasized that the experience had created a positive impact on the program’s academic environment.

“ILMXCHANGE provides a comprehensive learning space for students. They do not merely learn theories in the classroom, but also develop cross-cultural communication skills, build international networks, and gain a broader understanding of how technology and business are developing at the regional level,” Puspa explained.

Through the successful implementation of the program, the Digital Business Study Program of UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta hopes that the networks established with UNIMAS and partner universities will continue to develop into more concrete forms of collaboration, including international research projects, student mobility programs, and the development of a digital business curriculum that remains relevant to the needs of global industries.