DENPASAR – The Graduate School of Udayana University (Unud) served as the host institution for the Interdisciplinary Exchange Workshop for the Future of All Asian Countries (IEWF-AAC) 2026, scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, October 5–6, 2026. The international academic forum aimed to bring together researchers and scholars from different countries to exchange knowledge, establish research networks, and promote interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing development challenges across Asia.

Carrying the theme "Building the Next Generation of Interdisciplinary Researchers in Asia," IEWF-AAC 2026 placed particular emphasis on developing the capabilities of emerging researchers. The workshop was designed to provide an academic platform for participants from various disciplines to present research findings, share scientific perspectives, and establish connections with researchers from other institutions.

According to the event's promotional materials, IEWF-AAC 2026 featured participation from six countries, eight plenary speakers, and 30 young researchers. These figures reflected the planned international scope of the workshop and its commitment to strengthening academic exchange and research collaboration across the Asian region.

Promoting International Scientific Exchange and Research Collaboration

The first day's scientific program was scheduled to take place in Room 3.10 of the Udayana University Graduate School Building on P.B. Sudirman Street, Denpasar. The program began with participant registration, followed by an opening ceremony featuring a traditional Balinese welcome dance to introduce international participants to the cultural heritage of Bali.

According to the official program schedule, the opening session included a welcome address by Prof. I.N.S. Winaya from Udayana University, followed by opening remarks from Prof. Nasruddin of Universitas Indonesia and Dr. Takuya Mabuchi of Tohoku University, Japan. Their involvement reflected the workshop's emphasis on strengthening academic relationships among higher education institutions in the Asian region.

The first day's scientific agenda included three plenary sessions. The first plenary talk was scheduled to feature Prof. Manami Goto from Akita University, Japan. The second plenary session featured Prof. Jung Woo Lee from Pusan National University, South Korea, while the third was scheduled to be delivered by Prof. I.N.S. Winaya from Udayana University, Indonesia.

In addition to the plenary talks, the organizing committee arranged three research presentation sessions, designated Sessions A, B, and C. The first-day program listed a total of 12 presentation slots. Each presentation was allocated 15 minutes, including discussion, allowing researchers to communicate their findings and receive academic feedback from fellow participants.

Institutions represented in the presentation program included Udayana University, Universitas Indonesia, Akita University, Tohoku University, Iwate University, and Pusan National University. The schedule highlighted academic exchanges involving researchers from Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea, alongside the broader international participation announced in the workshop's promotional materials.

Through research presentations and interdisciplinary discussions, the workshop sought to enhance young researchers' ability to communicate scientific findings, engage in constructive academic dialogue, and establish professional relationships with scholars from different universities.

Combining Academic Networking with Balinese Cultural Experiences

Beyond scientific exchange, IEWF-AAC 2026 also incorporated social activities and cultural experiences into its official program. The first day's agenda included a gala dinner in the Jimbaran area following the scientific sessions and closing ceremony. The dinner was intended to provide opportunities for participants to continue discussions and develop professional connections in an informal setting.

On the second day, Tuesday, October 6, 2026, the organizing committee scheduled a cultural excursion to several destinations in Bali. The program began with a visit to Ubud, including the Tegallalang Rice Terrace, Ubud Palace, and the local art market. Participants were then scheduled to travel to Kintamani for panoramic views of Mount Batur and Lake Batur.

The itinerary continued to Penglipuran Village in Bangli Regency, known for its traditional Balinese village layout and cultural heritage. The final scheduled stop was BAS De ATAYANA in the Penglumbaran area of Bangli, before participants returned to Denpasar.

By combining academic engagement with cultural activities, the workshop aimed to provide international participants with opportunities to experience Bali's local traditions while extending academic interactions beyond formal presentation sessions.