IKA Kimia UNAIR Strengthens the Role of Alumni as a Bridge Between the Academic and Professional Worlds
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY, UNIVERSITAS AIRLANGGA – The Chemistry Alumni Association (IKA) of Universitas Airlangga continues to affirm its role as a strategic collaborative platform that connects the academic sphere with the professional world. Under the leadership of the Chairman of IKA Kimia for the 2025–2028 period, Faiz Tamamy (Chemistry Class of 2008), IKA Kimia is directed not only as a forum for alumni networking, but also as an alumni ecosystem that generates impact for alumni, active students, and the institution.
Faiz Tamamy, who is currently active in the marketing sector as a distributor of laboratory equipment while also carrying out his role as head of a family, views IKA Kimia as a shared home for all alumni of Chemistry UNAIR. According to him, IKA Kimia occupies a strategic position in bridging the knowledge acquired during university studies with the realities of the professional and industrial world.
“IKA Kimia is not merely a formal organization or a platform for reunions. It is a connecting bridge between the academic world and the professional world,” he stated.
The Role of Alumni for Students and the Department
Faiz explained that for alumni, IKA Kimia serves as a networking space to share career opportunities, open avenues for collaboration, and maintain the sense of kinship established during their time as students. For active students, alumni play a crucial role as sources of industrial insight, career mentors, and providers of realistic perspectives on challenges and opportunities after graduation.
He noted that the dynamics of IKA Kimia in recent years have shown progressive development. From activities that were initially limited to reunions, IKA Kimia has gradually moved toward more contributive initiatives, such as alumni scholarship programs and the organization of career seminars.
“Intergenerational dynamics do present their own challenges, but it is precisely from these dynamics that IKA Kimia continues to grow and remain vibrant,” he said.
Expectations and Development Direction of IKA Kimia
Looking ahead, Faiz hopes that IKA Kimia will develop into an alumni ecosystem that is increasingly inclusive and supportive. Several strategic directions under consideration include strengthening a digital-based alumni database to map cross-sector potential, developing structured mentorship programs for students, and fostering tangible collaborations that can enhance the reputation of the Department of Chemistry UNAIR at both national and international levels.
According to him, synergy among alumni, students, and the academic community is the key to creating sustainable impact for the institution and society at large.
A Message for Chemistry Students
In closing his reflection, Faiz delivered a message to Chemistry students who are currently undergoing their academic journey. He encouraged students to embrace every learning process, including mistakes and challenges encountered in the laboratory.
“Enjoy every error in the laboratory and every complexity of molecular formulas. Chemistry is not merely about memorizing reactions, but about training logical thinking and resilience. Do not only excel academically, but also expand your network and sharpen your soft skills. The world needs chemistry graduates who are not only intelligent, but also solution-oriented and possess integrity,” he emphasized.
Through strengthening the role of alumni and cross-generational collaboration, IKA Kimia UNAIR is expected to continue serving as a strategic partner in supporting student development, the department, and the tangible contributions of Universitas Airlangga to the wider community.
