UMKT Celebrates 2026 BIMA Grant Success and Sends Off Students for International Community Service in Thailand

umkt.ac.id, Samarinda - Universitas Muhammadiyah Kalimantan Timur (UMKT) reached a double milestone today, May 12, 2026, with a dual ceremony held at the campus amphitheater. The event marked the official contract signing for the 2026 BIMA Grant from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (MHEST) and the formal send-off for the International Community Service program to Southern Thailand.

The ceremony was attended by the Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, Downstreaming, and Community Services, leaders of the Center for Research and Community Services (CRCS), Director and Vice-director of the Office for Cooperation and International Affairs (OCIA), and representatives on behalf of the Scholarly Publication Advancement Center (SPAC). Also present at the ceremony were the leaders of English Education, Management, and International Relations study programs, the grant awardees, and students who will be participating in the International Community Services.

Paula Mariana Kustiawan, Chairperson of the CRCS, reported a significant achievement in competitive funding. Out of 70 proposals submitted by the university, four research projects and three community service initiatives were successfully selected for funding by the Ministry.

“We hope this success serves as a catalyst for all lecturers to continue elevating the quality and impact of their research,” Paula remarked.

Following the grant ceremony, UMKT officially sent off its inaugural cohort for the International Community Service program. A cross-departmental initiative between OCIA, CRCS, and SPAC, the first cohort batch consists of six English Education students, two Management students, and an International Relations student.

The students will be stationed in Southern Thailand from May 17 to June 10, 2026, serving at three educational institutions: Institute of Al-Abdia in Prik (Songkhla), Taweewittaya Islamic School in Pattani, and Songsem Sasana Vitaya School in Hat Yai.

Ghozali, Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, Downstreaming, and Community Services, highlighted that the BIMA grant serves as state recognition of the high academic standards maintained by UMKT’s faculty.

Regarding the international program, he explained that it is the result of a strategic partnership with the Al-Hidayah Waqaf Foundation for Education and Social Development Thailand. He encouraged the students to seize this opportunity for both personal and professional growth.

“Step out with confidence. Use this platform to enhance your global perspective and provide meaningful contributions to the community in Thailand,” Ghozali advised.

To ensure a seamless transition, the participants completed a comprehensive Pre-Departure and Action Program Orientation led by the OCIA and the English Education Study Program, focusing on cultural immersion, departure flow, and program objectives.

Author: Raisha Azzahro

Translator: M. Rafly Raihandy

Photo: M. Rafly Raihandy