Udayana University Student Invited by the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of Indonesia to Join the Indonesia x United Arab Emirates International Collaboration Program

David Christopher Tjandra (Medical Professional Program, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Class of 2024) was one of the students selected and personally invited by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemendiktisaintek RI) to participate in an academic collaboration program between the Republic of Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates titled The Future+ Program.

This academic program took place from November 2–8, 2025, in the United Arab Emirates, hosted by the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), under the direct assignment of the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, based on an official invitation from the Government of the United Arab Emirates.

The program involved 18 outstanding students from across Indonesia, carefully selected by the Ministry, who were assigned to conduct a comparative study and scientific research during their visit to UAEU. The series of activities included academic visits to various UAEU campuses, learning about scientific research and education in the UAE, studying in UAEU’s integrated laboratories, and presenting their student scientific projects before UAEU faculty members.

In this program, David’s group successfully won 1st Place in the Flip Chart Scientific Project Competition. The project was a collaboration between David from Udayana University and students from Universitas Gadjah Mada, Universitas Negeri Malang, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, as well as from United Arab Emirates University.

David’s participation in the program is expected to contribute ideas, knowledge, and inspiration to academic advancement at UAEU, while also enabling him to share the valuable insights and experiences gained in the UAE upon his return to Indonesia. This program serves as a meaningful platform to bring pride to Indonesia—especially Udayana University and its Faculty of Medicine—on the international stage.