From Monday to Friday (13-24/11), the Faculty of Geography at Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta (UMS) organized a series of general lectures featuring professors from abroad. The international speakers included Prof. Christopher A Gomez from Kobe University, Japan; Dr. Maxim Samson from DePaul University, the United States; Dr. Farha Sattar from Charles Darwin University, Australia; and Dr. M. Mian Nawaz from the National University of Singapore.
During this event, Prof. Gomez discussed the application of Point Cloud technology in geomorphology. Meanwhile, Dr. Maxim Samson explored the topics of Geopolitics, Representation, Ideology, and Geostrategy, demonstrating their impact on global perspectives and territorial claims. Dr. M. Mian Nawaz discussed Spatial Decision Support Systems and mapping techniques to resolve conflicts. Additionally, Dr. Farha Sattar delved into the intriguing potential of drones and STEM education in the 21st century, along with a discussion on Augmented Reality in geoscience teaching and the application of 3D Mapping in Natural Disasters.
Throughout the visit of these visiting professors, various engaging activities were held, including a publication workshop, discussions on potential collaborative research funding, and short courses. This program is a crucial part of the Faculty of Geography’s efforts to broaden learning opportunities for students and faculty on the international stage. The activities were made possible thanks to the grant funds from the Campus Merdeka Competition Program (PKKM) organized by the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture.
In discussing the students’ lively involvement in the event, Hamim Zaky Hadibasyir, the Chairman of the Visiting Professor Committee, expressed, “It’s uplifting to witness the students’ enthusiasm. They not only acquired fresh perspectives from global experts but also actively engaged in discussions. This underscores the significance of such activities, contributing substantially to the academic growth of students. Additionally, the visiting professor program serves as a crucial milestone for UMS Geography in establishing academic connections internationally,” concluded Hamim, who also serves as a lecturer at UMS Geography.