Department of Communication Science, UPN "Veteran" Yogyakarta Strengthens International Collaboration Through V-Pal Project #4 with Kanda University of International Studies, Japan

YOGYAKARTA, Indonesia, June 9, 2026 — The Department of Communication Science, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), UPN "Veteran" Yogyakarta has once again organized the V-Pal Project #4 in collaboration with Kanda University of International Studies (KUIS), Japan. The international collaborative program brought together Indonesian and Japanese students in a series of online activities held every Tuesday from May 12 to June 9, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to foster intercultural understanding through media, communication, and creativity.

A total of 48 students participated in the program, consisting of 20 students from Kanda University of International Studies and 28 students from UPN "Veteran" Yogyakarta. The Indonesian participants came from the Communication Science and Public Relations programs, along with one student from International Relations. Over the course of five weeks, students worked in cross-cultural teams to develop a variety of creative projects utilizing audiovisual media and digital communication platforms.

The V-Pal Project is not a new initiative for either institution. First launched in 2013, it has grown into a sustainable international academic collaboration between the Department of Communication Science at UPN "Veteran" Yogyakarta and Kanda University of International Studies. The 2026 edition marks the fourth implementation of the program, reflecting the continued commitment of both universities to providing meaningful international learning experiences for their students.

This year's participants were divided into five project teams, each focusing on different creative outputs, including music video production, character development, cross-cultural advertising campaigns, collaborative video production, and promotional content creation. Throughout the program, Indonesian and Japanese students worked closely together, exchanging ideas, experiences, and cultural perspectives. In addition to producing creative works, the program served as a platform for developing international communication skills, cross-cultural teamwork, and the effective use of digital technologies in creative processes.

Ida Wiendijarti, Head of the Department of Communication Science at FISIP UPN "Veteran" Yogyakarta, emphasized the importance of the program in supporting student development and international engagement.

“The V-Pal Project represents a meaningful form of international academic collaboration between the Department of Communication Science at FISIP UPN ‘Veteran’ Yogyakarta and Kanda University of International Studies, Japan. It provides students with opportunities to explore their creative potential, particularly in audiovisual production, while strengthening their intercultural communication skills. Through this program, students are encouraged not only to create innovative media projects but also to appreciate the value of collaboration, creativity, and diverse perspectives in today's global communication environment.”

Appreciation for the program was also expressed by Prof. Seongsoo Baeg, the project coordinator from Kanda University of International Studies.

“I greatly appreciate the collaborative spirit demonstrated by both UPN Veteran Yogyakarta and Kanda University students throughout this project. It has been inspiring to see how they worked together across cultural and geographical boundaries to create meaningful and creative outputs. I sincerely hope that we can continue this program in the coming years and further strengthen intercultural understanding and cooperation between our countries.”

According to Prof. Baeg, the V-Pal Project demonstrates how creativity and communication can serve as powerful bridges for fostering intercultural understanding while strengthening relationships between young people in Indonesia and Japan.

Meanwhile, M. Edy Susilo, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs at FISIP UPN "Veteran" Yogyakarta and Project Coordinator of V-Pal Project #4, described this year's program as a valuable and successful learning experience for all participants.

“V-Pal Project 2026 has been both meaningful and rewarding. The students involved in this fourth collaborative initiative between UPN Veteran Yogyakarta and Kanda University of International Studies demonstrated remarkable commitment throughout the program. They worked effectively as international teams while developing a deeper appreciation and understanding of each other's cultures. The success of this project highlights the potential of cross-cultural collaboration to foster meaningful learning and productive cooperation.”

He added that advances in digital technology, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI), played a significant role in supporting students' creative processes and project development.

“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Kanda University and everyone involved in making this project possible. We look forward to continuing our collaboration through future initiatives and strengthening our partnership in the years ahead.”

Beyond producing creative projects, the program also provided students with opportunities to build international networks, enhance their global communication competencies, and broaden their understanding of cultural diversity. Many participants reported gaining valuable insights into intercultural collaboration, communication styles, and creative production processes while working with peers from another country.

The creative works produced during V-Pal Project #4 are publicly accessible through a dedicated digital platform developed specifically for the program. Members of the public, academic communities, and international partners can explore the collaborative projects created by Indonesian and Japanese students through the V-Pal Project Showcase:

V-Pal Project Showcase: https://vpal.lovable.app/

The platform features projects from all participating teams and serves as a digital archive of the intercultural collaboration between students from UPN "Veteran" Yogyakarta and Kanda University of International Studies.

Through the successful implementation of V-Pal Project #4, the Department of Communication Science at FISIP UPN "Veteran" Yogyakarta and Kanda University of International Studies reaffirm their shared commitment to strengthening academic cooperation, cultural exchange, and student development at the international level. Both institutions hope to continue expanding the program as a bridge for deeper collaboration and stronger ties between Indonesia and Japan in the future.