The Faculty of Education at Yogyakarta State University held an academic sharing session on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, in Meeting Room 1 of the Faculty of Education at Yogyakarta State University. The event, which took place from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Western Indonesian Time, was attended by lecturers from the Doctoral Program in Elementary Education at the Faculty of Education at Yogyakarta State University. The event, moderated by Amalia Rizki Ardiansyah, S.Pd., M.Pd., featured two speakers in their respective fields: Dr. Mark Anthony D. Abenir from Ateneo de Manila University and Obby Taufik Hidayat, S.Pd., M.Pd., Ph.D., from Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta.

The first resource person, Dr. Mark Anthony D. Abenir, shared techniques for designing and managing service-learning projects. In his presentation, he explained the best practices he and his students have already implemented, particularly in remote areas. This Vinta asked about the difference compared to the context in Indonesia, as there is already KKN (Community Service Program) in Indonesia. Service learning in the context of Mr. Mark in the Philippines is more focused on helping the community in specific aspects, especially in improving the basic literacy of the local people. Community service in Indonesia is more about community service with a broad scope of activities that are not always specifically integrated with the students' field of study. Conversely, service learning emphasises the integration of community service and focused academic learning, where students actively apply their skills and knowledge according to their field of study, resulting in more optimal benefits for both parties, namely students and the community. Mr. Mark added that in the service-learning program at his campus, students not only provide services but also conduct assessments and learning reflections, leading to a process of knowledge and skill transformation that brings positive change for themselves and the community. Focussing on improving basic literacy is a priority so that people can be more independent and empowered in the long run. This Ayu asked about the biggest challenge, and the challenge is adapting the program to the real needs and diversity of the target community.

The second speaker, Obby Taufik Hidayat, S.Pd., M.Pd., Ph.D., shared his experience with international research funding he had received, including the Tokyo Foundation Fellowship. He explained that the funding for this research did not come from the Indonesian government, but from foreign institutions. This international fellowship typically provides funding for travel, accommodation, and research expenses with flexible yet professional administrative and reporting requirements. However, researchers are required to conduct research relevant to the priorities or fields agreed upon with foreign sponsors, making the adaptation of the research context crucial for the success of program proposals and implementation. This funding model is an attractive alternative for Indonesian researchers who want to develop research to international standards while building global networks. Additionally, international funding allows for the exploration of broader and more innovative research topics, with adequate resource support.

The purpose of this Academic Sharing activity is to strengthen global insights, academic collaboration, and the competencies of prospective elementary school teachers through a partnership between PGSD UNY, Ateneo de Manila University, and Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta.