Bandung, October 2025 — Dr. Taufik Abdullah, Head of the Tourism Marketing Management Study Program, Faculty of Social Sciences Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI), has been appointed as a Visiting Scholar at the Business School of Edinburgh Napier University, Scotland, from October 20–24, 2025. His academic engagement contributes to advancing several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
During his visit, Dr. Taufik participated in a series of strategic meetings with Dr. Pauline, Deputy Head of International Partnerships, Prof. Nathalia, Associate Dean for International, as well as other faculty members of the Business School. These discussions explored opportunities for strengthening institutional collaboration in teaching and research between UPI and Edinburgh Napier University.
Currently, Dr. Taufik is collaborating with Dr. Reni Polus from Edinburgh Napier University on a research project addressing activism in tourism. As part of his visit, he delivered a research presentation to faculty members and doctoral students in the Department of Tourism and Intercultural Business Communications. His presentation highlighted the lived experiences of activists in Indonesian tourism destinations who consistently advocate for social justice, environmental sustainability, and the welfare of local communities.
In addition, Dr. Taufik was invited as a guest lecturer in a master’s-level tourism course, where he delivered a lecture on the challenges of overtourism in Bali. His presentation emphasized strategies to mitigate overtourism and foster more sustainable development in one of the world’s most renowned tourist destinations.
This academic engagement underscores UPI’s commitment to promoting international collaboration and advancing sustainability in higher education and tourism development, thereby contributing directly to the achievement of the global Sustainable Development Goals.