UKDW and Kansai University to Explore Disaster Research Collaboration
Rector of Univrsitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW) Yogyakarta, Dr.-Ing. Wiyatiningsih, S.T., M.T., together with UKDW’s Vice Rector for Human Resource Development, Promotion, and Networking, Rev. Wahju Satria Wibowo, Ph.D., paid an official visit to Kansai University in Osaka, Japan, on Monday, October 13, 2025.
The delegation was warmly received by Prof. Osamu Takeuchi, Vice President of Kansai University, accompanied by Prof. Kiminori Fukuda from the Faculty of Health and Well-Being and Ms. Yagi Maika, Head of International Relations at Kansai University.
During the meeting, both institutions discussed ways to strengthen academic collaboration, particularly in developing a joint research program on disaster studies, which is set to begin in 2026. In addition to new initiatives, both sides also agreed to continue existing collaborative programs, such as the Summer Camp, which has been running successfully for several years.
The Summer Camp, a joint program between UKDW and Dhyana Pura University (UNDHIRA) in Bali, regularly welcomes participants from Kansai University. The program aims to provide cross-cultural learning experiences in an international setting, while enhancing participants’ collaborative, communication, and English language skills.
Carrying the theme “Visual Ethnography,” the program adopts an interdisciplinary approach to equip young people—particularly Generation Z—with global competencies relevant to the digital era. The chosen topic reflects the visual learning style and communication preferences of today’s youth, who are accustomed to expressing ideas through images, videos, and digital narratives in their daily lives.
Through this initiative, participants are encouraged to develop creativity in presenting ways of life methodically and systematically, as well as to enhance problem-solving skills through international collaboration.
The Rector’s visit to Japan also encompassed participation in the 2025 ACUCA General Assembly and Conference in Kyoto, where discussions centered on the role of Christian universities in shaping a transformative educational landscape and strengthening regional cooperation amid global change.
W-ID & Doc: wws | Ed. (ENG): drr
