The festival commenced with a series of opening remarks delivered by key representatives. Dr. Andi Masyitha Irwan (Head of IO) commonly called Mrs. Citha, welcomed everyone to the event, emphasizing the importance of international student integration and cultural exchange.
Dr. Mardi Adi Armin (Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), also spoke on behalf of the 68th UNHAS) Anniversary committee), reflecting on the university’s commitment to internationalization.
Ali Amer Ellayan, a representative of the International Students Association (ISA), expressed his appreciation for the platform given to showcase their cultures. Finally, Prof. Sumbangan Baja, M.Phil., UNHAS Secretary, officially opened the festival, setting a celebratory tone for the day.
One of the highlights of the festival was the diverse range of booths representing the home countries of international students. A total of 17 booths were set up, showcasing cultures from countries such as Jordan, Yemen, Palestine, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Honduras, Timor Leste, Madagascar, and Burkina Faso. Alongside these booths were international corners representing Japan, Mandarin, German, Australian (Aussie Banget), French (Warung Perancis), and Korean cultures. The Education USA and International Office also set up booths to provide information and guidance on international study opportunities.
The culinary aspect of the ISF added a rich layer of cultural experience. Each booth offered traditional foods and drinks, giving spectators a taste of the international students' diverse culinary traditions.
Visitors enjoyed delicacies ranging from Middle Eastern dishes to African beverages, creating a vibrant atmosphere that allowed everyone to appreciate the rich tapestry of cultures represented at the university. In addition to the booths, the ISF featured stage performances that enlivened the event. The Japanese Consulate in Makassar participated, with the Consul himself performing two Japanese songs, drawing the attention of many spectators.
Performances by students from various cultural corners also entertained the audience, with dances and songs from countries like Korea and China and Japan, making the event an enjoyable and interactive celebration of cultural diversity.
After the opening ceremony, the IO awarded certificates of participation to the international students and booth representatives. All participants were invited to the stage to receive their certificates, acknowledging their efforts in making the 2nd ISF a success. This gesture highlighted the significance of the contributions made by each participant in promoting international understanding and collaboration.
With numbers of spectators mentioned earlier, the 2nd ISF was a resounding success. It served not only as a platform for cultural exchange but also as an opportunity for the university’s academic community and the local public to interact with international students and learn about their unique traditions. The ISF continues to be an important part of UNHAS’s internationalization efforts, strengthening ties between the university’s diverse student body and the broader community.
Mrs Citha expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the international students, cultural corners, and performers for their enthusiastic participation. She also extended her thanks to the IO staff and student volunteers for their dedicated efforts in making the festival a success, emphasizing that the event’s success was a result of their hard work and commitment to celebrating global unity.
A special note of appreciation was extended to the three student volunteers who served as Masters of Ceremony: Al, Tata, and Manda. Their energy, professionalism, and skill in driving the event ensured its smooth flow and kept the audience engaged throughout the day.
