International Students Festival 2025: Uniting Global Culture in One Celebration
Hasanuddin University (UNHAS), through the International Office (IO), successfully hosted the 3rd International Students Festival (ISF) on Sunday, 7 September 2025, at JK Arenatorium, Tamalanrea Campus. Carrying the theme “Uniting Global Culture in One Celebration”, the ISF became a vibrant platform for cultural exchange and mutual understanding. This year’s festival featured international students from Nigeria, Yemen, Algeria, India, Bangladesh, Uganda, Pakistan, Japan, Sudan, Iraq, Tanzania, Madagascar, Afghanistan, Somalia, Liberia, and Timor Leste, along with cultural corners including Mandarin Corner, Korea Corner, Aussie Banget Corner, American Corner, EducationUSA, and Alliance Française.
The event was officially opened by UNHAS Rector Prof. Jamaluddin Jompa and attended by university leaders, deans, and vice deans. The ISF was also attended by Kang Wonjoon, Minister-Counselor and Consul General of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea. He was accompanied by Lee Sang Hoon, Director of Korea Foundation, Jakarta. The ISF attracted more than 600 registered attendees, with the overall number of spectators estimated at around 1,000, ranging from the UNHAS academic community to the general public. The strong participation reflected both the growing enthusiasm of students and the wider community’s appreciation for global cultural diversity.
Throughout the festival, participating countries and cultural corners showcased their heritage through traditional dances, music, fashion shows, and culinary delights. Booths displayed food, drinks, photographs, and videos, allowing spectators to experience the richness of each nation’s culture. Rector Prof. Jamaluddin Jompa personally visited all the booths, warmly welcomed by international students eager to share their traditions and stories.
To honor their contributions, IO presented certificates of appreciation to all participants, handed directly by the Rector. A voting booth was also provided for spectators to choose their favorite display. The Sudan booth received the most votes and was awarded Best Booth of ISF 2025. The festival concluded with joy, memorable interactions, and a strong sense of unity under its theme. Both participants and spectators left with lasting impressions of friendship and cultural appreciation. IO expressed its optimism that the 2026 International Students Festival will bring an even bigger and more colorful celebration of diversity at UNHAS.
This year’s International Students Festival (ISF) became even more meaningful with the presence of Mr. Kang Wonjoon, who delivered a speech expressing his gratitude for the warm welcome. He encouraged all UNHAS students to study diligently, reminding them that they will be the future leaders of Indonesia. Prior to the ISF, Mr. Kang Wonjoon was welcomed by Prof. JJ at a lunch gathering held on Saturday, 6 September, at the Experience Room of UNHAS Hotel and Convention. The event was also attended by Prof. drg. Muhammad Ruslin, Ph.D., Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs; Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akhmar, Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB); and Wahyuddin, Ph.D., Vice Dean for Partnership at FIB and IO Squad Team.
During lunch, several topics were discussed, including the potential establishment of a Korean Language Study Program. At present, Korean is only offered as an elective course in several study programs at FIB, such as the English Literature Study Program and the Japanese Study Program. The gathering concluded with the Consul General continuing his agenda by delivering a guest lecture at FIB.
