BALI –Bali Tourism Polytechnic (Poltekpar Bali) continues to reinforce its position as an internationally oriented vocational higher education institution by strengthening academic collaboration with global partners. Through its Center for Research and Community Service (P3M), Poltekpar Bali organized an International Training of Trainers (ToT) and International Publication Workshop in partnership with Griffith University, Australia, on Monday (January 19, 2026).
Held at MICE Widyatula, Poltekpar Bali Campus, the program forms part of the institution’s strategic efforts to expand its global academic network while enhancing the capacity of its academic staff in teaching, research, and community engagement under the framework of the tridharma of higher education.
The international program was designed to strengthen lecturers’ competencies in developing community-centred learning approaches that respond to local needs while addressing global challenges. It also aimed to improve the quality and quantity of internationally competitive academic publications through direct mentoring by overseas academics.
The event was officially opened by the Director of Poltekpar Bali, Dr. Drs. Ida Bagus Putu Puja, M.Kes., who emphasized that the initiative represents a strategic institutional policy rather than a ceremonial agenda.
“This program aligns with Poltekpar Bali’s policy direction to strengthen the role of vocational higher education institutions that deliver tangible impact for communities and industry. Through community-centred learning and international collaboration, lecturers are encouraged to contribute meaningfully through applied research and community service,” he said.
According to the Director, international collaboration serves as a key instrument in enhancing human resource quality and expanding the institution’s societal impact. He also stressed that lecturers play a vital role not only as educators but also as agents of change who bridge academia, industry, and community needs.
The seminar featured Associate Professor Dr. Elaine Yang from Griffith University as the main international speaker, reflecting the strong partnership between Poltekpar Bali and overseas higher education institutions in advancing academic capacity and applied research.
In her presentation, Dr. Elaine Yang highlighted the importance of community-centred learning as a foundation for impactful education and research. She noted that the program supports the objectives of the DFAT–Australia Indonesia Institute grant, which focuses on capacity building, long-term collaboration, and strengthening people-to-people ties between Australia and Indonesia.
“This collaboration is meaningful because it empowers communities, particularly women artisans, through digital skills development while preserving cultural heritage, creating local impacts with global relevance,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Head of P3M Poltekpar Bali, Dr. Putu Diah Sastri Pitanatri, stated that the Training of Trainers initiative marks the beginning of a systematic effort to strengthen lecturers’ capacities. The outcomes of the program will be integrated into research and community engagement schemes to ensure the sustainable application of community-based approaches.
“We encourage academic publications that emerge from field-based practices and international collaboration, where social impact becomes a key added value,” she explained.
The program included expert presentations, group discussions, project presentations, and interactive question-and-answer sessions, all designed to foster active participation and knowledge exchange among participants.
Through this cross-border collaboration, Poltekpar Bali aims to enhance the global competitiveness of its academic staff and institutional profile, reaffirming its commitment as an open, collaborative vocational education institution focused on delivering meaningful impact for communities and the international academic community.***
