The Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST), through its College of Criminology (COC), officially welcomed 11 law students from the Faculty of Law of Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES), Indonesia, during the opening ceremony of the International Student Exchange Program held today, July 27, 2026, at the Mini Convention Center, NEUST Sumacab Campus.
The exchange program, which will run until August 13, 2026, marks the first international engagement between the NEUST College of Criminology and the Faculty of Law of Universitas Negeri Semarang following discussions initiated in May 2026, strengthening the institutions’ commitment to academic collaboration and cultural exchange.
Welcoming the delegates, Prof. Christina Jimmy, Jr., Dean of the NEUST College of Criminology, encouraged the visiting students to make the most of their stay by embracing both learning opportunities and cultural experiences.
“Though your time with us will be limited, we hope that every day will give you something meaningful to remember,” said Prof. Jimmy.
The ceremony was attended by College of Criminology faculty members, staff, and students, together with Ar. Gregorio Villaviza, Jr., Dean of the College of Architecture, whom Prof. Jimmy acknowledged for introducing the College of Criminology to Universitas Negeri Semarang, paving the way for the partnership.
The visiting delegates are Sultan Ryanda Dhipriliyan, Jonathan Austin Dumoras Tampubolon, Abian Mirza Ramadhan, Jeremy Asido Dwicahyo Baringbing, Muhammad Zaki Asshidiqi, Anisa Fauziyah Jasmine, Muhammad Azriel Ervansyah, Daffa Al-Firdaus Widhianto, Oktavia Aqilah Salsabillah, Roland Filipi Saputra, and Sevi Dianasari, all law students from the Faculty of Law of Universitas Negeri Semarang.
Meanwhile, Office of International Affairs Director Atty. Eric Claudio highlighted that the program extends beyond academic learning by providing opportunities for cultural immersion and meaningful connections.
“The essence of this collaboration is not only to learn academically but also culturally. We hope that you will mingle with our students, learn from them, and teach them as well. We are willing to share Filipino culture with you. We want you to experience NEUST, who we are as people, and what NEUSTians are as students, because this is a lifetime experience,” said Atty. Claudio.
Responding on behalf of the delegation, Sultan Ryanda Dhipriliyan, who fondly introduced himself as “Kuya Sultan,” expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome extended by the University.
“We are so happy to hang around with you; Filipinos are very hospitable and generous. I’m really hopeful that we will be having long-lasting collaborations. Salamat po,” he shared.
Although he has no Filipino bloodline, Kuya Sultan delighted the audience by sharing that he learned to speak Tagalog simply by watching Filipino movies and television series, particularly Pangako Sa’yo, which he enjoyed watching with his grandmother.
The Indonesian delegates also showcased their talents through a special song and dance performance, celebrating the beginning of what both institutions hope will be a lasting academic and cultural partnership.
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