On Friday, August 16th, 2024, Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) warmly welcomed 13 inbound students from Hafei University of Technology, China, in a ceremony held at the Senate Room of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB). The students are set to participate in a semester-long Bahasa Indonesia untuk Penutur Asing (BIPA) or Indonesian Language for Non-Native Speakers program, hosted by the Department of Indonesian Literature. This program is part of a broader initiative to promote cultural exchange and strengthen academic ties between Indonesia and China.\

The Welcome Ceremony was attended by key officials from both the International Office and the Faculty of Cultural Sciences. Andi Masyitha Irwan, Ph.D., (Head of the International Office), and Muhammad Ridwan, M.A., (IO Secretary), were present alongside Prof. Akin Duli, M.A., (Dean of FIB), his Vice Deans, and several Heads of Departments. The event featured speeches from the Dean, the Head of the Indonesian Literature Department, Dr. Munirah Hasyim, and the Student Supervisor of the Hefei students. Each speaker emphasized the importance of this academic and cultural collaboration, which not only enhances language proficiency but also fosters mutual understanding between the two nations.

During the ceremony, the International Office was given an opportunity to outline its role in managing inbound students, lecturers, and researchers, providing the Chinese students with essential information to ensure a smooth transition into their studies at UNHAS. As the ceremony concluded, plans were announced for a post-arrival orientation to further support the students in their academic and cultural integration during their time in Indonesia.