On Tuesday, 22nd of August 2023, the Post Graduate Program of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at the esteemed University of Gadjah Mada (UGM) hosted an Open Examination for the Doctoral Promotion of M. Yuseano Kardiansyah. The event marked the culmination of M. Yuseano Kardiansyah’s extensive research and studies, as he presented his dissertation titled “Literature of Indonesian-English Translation: A Study of Cultural Production in Postcolonial Space.”

The dissertation delved into the fascinating topic of investigating the production practices of Indonesian literary works into English, specifically examining the ways in which these translations were “politically” carried out by literary agents of Indonesian-English translation within the mediation space. M. Yuseano Kardiansyah’s research thus sheds light on the complex and nuanced processes involved in translating literature across different cultural contexts, particularly in the aftermath of colonialism.

Overall, M. Yuseano Kardiansyah’s work is a testament to the importance of understanding the cultural production and dissemination of literature, as well as the ways in which language and translation intersect with issues of power and politics. Through his detailed and insightful analysis, he has made a significant contribution to the field of literary translation studies, and his dissertation is sure to be an invaluable resource for scholars and practitioners alike.

Thursday, August 24, 2023, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences graduated 226 undergraduate graduates, with a proportion of 127 female graduates and 69 male graduates. The event was opened with remarks from Dr. Nur Saktiningrum and M. Hum. as representatives of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences. Furthermore, there was a choir performance from the BSO of FIB Students, namely, Paramadaya.

The Faculty Average Grade Point Average for undergraduate programs was 3.59. Katarina Elsa Savitri achieved the highest GPA among graduates with a score of 3.94. Meanwhile, the fastest graduate for the undergraduate program was Khonsa Naurotul Wahdah from Arabic Literature, who completed their studies in 3 years, 5 months, and 23 days.

This graduation ceremony was closed with a procession of handing over certificates and certificates of cum laude graduates from each department, followed by a photo procession with graduates with the ranks of deans and heads of study programmes from each department.

The Faculty of Cultural Sciences includes graduates who have successfully completed their education. Hopefully, what has been obtained can provide benefits and be successful in their career.

Language learning has always been a challenge for many individuals, especially those who are trying to learn a second language. A recent public lecture held on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at the Multimedia Room, Margono Building, 2nd floor, Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM and Zoom from 11:00-12:45 WIB has shed light on the complexities of language learning and the pros and cons of AI in higher education.

Experts in the field, including Professor Shigenoro Wakabayashi and Professor Jun Iio, shared their insights and expertise on the topic.

“Language learning is a complex phenomena, taken place in micro, meso and macro context…”

Professor Wakabayashi emphasized the complexity of language learning and how second language studies have largely ignored it. He delivered a fragment of a sentence during his lecture, highlighting the difficulties faced by language learners, particularly those learning a second language.

On the other hand, Professor Iio discussed the benefits and challenges of using artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education. With the rise of AI development, it is essential to use it wisely and address any issues that may arise. While AI provides benefits, it also presents some challenges that must be overcome.

The lecture was moderated by Hasyim Kurniawan, S.S., M.App.Ling., a lecturer of the English Department at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM. The event attracted a hybrid audience, with in-person attendees and those tuning in remotely via Zoom.

The public lecture provided valuable insights into the complexities of language learning and the potential benefits and challenges of incorporating AI in higher education. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the knowledge gained from this lecture can help individuals and educators alike to navigate the complexities of language learning and make informed decisions when it comes to incorporating AI in higher education.

The Faculty of Cultural Sciences of Universitas Gadjah Mada, one of the leading universities in Indonesia, places a high emphasis on preparing its graduates for the ever-evolving world of work. In line with this, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences has designed programmes that are not only academically enriching but also packaged attractively to improve the personal qualities of the graduates, making them stand out in their respective fields.

On Tuesday, 22 August 2023, there were two programmes held at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, which aimed to provide a platform for prospective graduates to enhance their personal and professional skills. The first programme, organised by the Javanese Literature Study Programme, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, centred on the topic of ‘Personal Branding to Enter the World of Work.’ The resource person for this programme was none other than Giok Kinski, Puteri Indonesia Intelegensia 1 2023, who is also an esteemed alumnus of Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The second programme, held on the same day, aimed to inspire prospective graduates to step out of their comfort zones and take on new challenges in the world of work. The chosen resource person for this programme was none other than Nina Ulfah Nulatutadjie Gaffar, S.S., the Director/CEO of PT Wisata Laut Nusapermai, a foreign investment company that owns Kura-Kura Resort in Karimunjawa. Nina is also a shareholder, as well as Sr. Associate for Land Acquisition and Resettlement Action Plan (LARAP) at PT Idea Cipta Senandika, a legal entity of Indonesia Center for Sustainable Development-ICSD, and Director of PT Reka Samudra Inspirasi, owner of Teroka Nusa brand.

Nina’s presentation was inspiring, as she motivated the prospective graduates of the Faculty of Humanities to pursue their life choices and ambitions, regardless of their educational background. Drawing on her own experiences of building a successful business career in tourism, Nina encouraged the graduates to step out of their comfort zones and seize opportunities that come their way. She emphasised the importance of taking calculated risks and learning from mistakes, as they embark on their professional journeys.

The Faculty of Cultural Sciences has proven its dedication to equipping students with the skills and qualities necessary for success in their careers. The programmes offered are both academically rigorous and designed to cultivate personal growth, setting graduates apart in their fields. The expertise of the resource persons, Giok Kinski and Nina Ulfah Nulatutadjie Gaffar, provided invaluable insights and inspiration for graduates to confidently tackle new challenges.

The Korea University ASEAN Centre (KUAC) delegation, led by Professor Jae Hyeok Shin, the Director of KUAC, recently paid a visit to the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in 16th August 2023. The delegation, which included Professor Jeong-in Suh, Former Korean Ambassador to ASEAN, Professor Jaehoo Park, Chief Administrative Officer, and a journalist from Yonhap News, Mr Kim Ho-Chun, had a seven-day visit to Indonesia and Thailand. During their visit, they gained valuable insights into ASEAN countries and had the opportunity to exchange ideas with students of the Korean Language and Culture Study Programme at FIB UGM.

The KUAC delegation’s visit was not just a mere academic and cultural exchange but also aimed to foster closer ties between Korea and ASEAN countries. To achieve this goal, the delegation attended a series of lectures on Cultural Differences between Indonesia and Korea. Moreover, two representatives from Chung Mong-Koo Foundation, Mr Cho Hyun Jin and Mr Shin Ji Nam, also accompanied the delegation, adding more value to the visit.

Overall, the KUAC delegation’s visit to UGM was a significant milestone in the academic and cultural exchange between the two regions. It is hoped that such visits will continue to take place, leading to more opportunities for collaboration and mutual understanding between Korea and ASEAN countries..