Dio Resta Permana, S.Pd., M.Pd., a lecturer in the English Language Education Program at Universitas Indo Global Mandiri (UIGM), participated in the Visiting Scholar and International Community Service program at Shinawatra University (SIU) in Bangkok, Thailand, on October 27–28, 2026.
During the event, he delivered an academic lecture titled “Technology-Enhanced Language Learning in the EFL Classroom.” The event was officially opened by the President of Shinawatra University, Assoc. Prof. Zhou Fei, along with the Head of International Affairs at Shinawatra University, Dr. Julie S. Macariola. The event was attended by representatives from more than 10 universities in Indonesia, located across Java, Sumatra, and Kalimantan.
“I want to see firsthand how universities abroad foster an open academic culture,” he said.
He explained that the Visiting Scholar program is an academic exchange initiative designed to broaden perspectives, enhance faculty capacity, and build networks with universities at the international level.
Through this program, he continued, faculty members exchange knowledge and experiences, discuss developments in higher education, and explore opportunities for collaboration in education, research, and scientific publications. “Technology has now become a necessity in language classes—it’s no longer just a supplement,” he said.
Meanwhile, International Community Service is part of the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, specifically community service on an international scale. This initiative serves as a platform for academics to share their knowledge, expertise, and experience with communities across national borders.
“Knowledge feels more meaningful when it can be shared beyond national borders,” he said. Dio Resta Permana’s participation is part of UIGM efforts to promote the internationalization of higher education and to enhance the competence and global recognition of its faculty members.
This event is also expected to open up broader opportunities for collaboration between UIGM and Shinawatra University, particularly in the development of English language education, collaborative research, international publications, and community service programs. “We hope this visit will lead to joint research and international publications,” he concluded. (Andhiko Ta)
