Balikpapan - Another proud achievement has been recorded by the academic community of Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK). Lecturer of the Materials and Metallurgical Engineering Study Program, Dr. Eng. Yunita Triana, M.Si, together with student of the Materials and Metallurgical Engineering Study Program, Yosua Anjupaian Situmeang, has successfully received an international research grant through the Networked Exchange, United Strength for Stronger Partnerships between Japan and ASEAN (NEXUS) – Young Talents Exchange and Capacity Development Program (Y-tec) 2026.

This achievement serves as evidence of ITK’s commitment to expanding its global research network, particularly through academic collaboration between Japan and ASEAN countries. The NEXUS Y-tec Program is an initiative supported by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) to promote young talent exchange, strengthen research capacity, and develop international networks in the fields of science and technology.

Through this program, lecturers, researchers, and students have the opportunity to engage in knowledge exchange, academic competency development, and cross-country research collaboration. The program also serves as a strategic platform for young talents to broaden their perspectives, enhance their expertise, and build professional networks within the international research ecosystem.

In its implementation, ITK collaborates with several institutions, namely Saga University, Japan, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), and Universitas Borneo Tarakan (UBT). This collaboration is expected to open wider research opportunities, strengthen academic capacity, and encourage the emergence of innovations that are relevant to the advancement of science and the future needs of industry.

The success of Dr. Eng. Yunita Triana, M.Si and Yosua Anjupaian Situmeang also demonstrates that research development at ITK continues to move toward a more open and internationally oriented academic ecosystem. Student involvement in this program is particularly valuable, as it provides direct experience in a global research collaboration environment.

Through this achievement, ITK further affirms its role as a higher education institution that actively promotes internationalization, research strengthening, and the competitiveness of its academic community. This accomplishment is expected to inspire other ITK lecturers and students to continue creating, collaborating, and bringing the campus name to the global stage.

Congratulations and best wishes to Dr. Eng. Yunita Triana, M.Si and Yosua Anjupaian Situmeang on this achievement. May this accomplishment become an important step toward broader research contributions for the advancement of science, technology, and society.