On May 29, 2025, Asst. Prof. Dr. Anwar Koma, Head of the Turkish Studies Center at the Faculty of Political Science, Prince of Songkla University (PSU), visited the Office of Cooperation and International Relations and Affairs at the University of Darussalam (UNIDA) Gontor, Indonesia. The visit aimed to share experiences in leading an academic center dedicated to Türkiye-related studies and to explore pathways for international collaboration between Thailand and Indonesia.
Dr. Anwar was warmly welcomed by Dr. Eko Nur Cahyo, Head of the Bureau of Cooperation and International Academic Relations; Asst. Prof. Dr. Ali Musa Harahap, Coordinator of the International Class Program; Ustaz Usamah Abdurrahman; Ustaz Muhsin Abdul Hadi; and members of the bureau. The visit highlighted the shared interest between PSU and UNIDA in advancing Türkiye-ASEAN relations through academic initiatives.
During the meeting, Ustaz Muhsin Abdul Hadi shared that UNIDA is currently in the process of establishing its own Center for Turkish Studies, and sought valuable advice from Dr. Anwar on best practices, program development, and international engagement strategies. In response, Dr. Anwar presented two of PSU’s flagship initiatives:
🔹 Turkish Open House – an annual cultural diplomacy event promoting mutual understanding and collaboration, attracting over 700 attendees in its most recent edition.
🔹 Iftar for Friends of Türkiye – a cross-cultural event held during Ramadan, fostering dialogue and friendship among local and international communities.
Dr. Anwar emphasized the importance of strategic academic partnerships and suggested that UNIDA consider PSU’s Turkish Studies Center as a key regional partner in promoting Türkiye-ASEAN relations. He affirmed the center’s commitment to becoming a vibrant international hub for Turkish studies in Southeast Asia.
As a gesture of partnership and future collaboration, Dr. Anwar extended an invitation to faculty members of the Faculty of Humanities, UNIDA, to attend the upcoming Turkish Open House in August 2025 at PSU’s Pattani Campus, Thailand.
This meaningful exchange marks the beginning of what promises to be a fruitful collaboration between PSU and UNIDA in advancing Turkish studies and deepening academic networks across Southeast Asia.
Turkish Studies Center, Faculty of Political Science, PSU Pattani
📍 Building a Bridge Between Türkiye and ASEAN through Academic Diplomacy
🗓️ Stay tuned for more updates on our upcoming international collaborations!
