This past Sunday, January 28th, 2024, was a bittersweet day for the English Studies Programme, as we gathered to bid farewell to a beloved member of our faculty, Bapak Dr. Tofan Dwi Harjanto, M.A., who is stepping on the well-earned journey of retirement. Over the span of more than 20 remarkable years, Pak Tofan has been the bedrock of our study programme, imparting his extensive knowledge in Semantics, Pragmatics, Discourse Analysis, and Academic Writing. His prolific contributions have yielded more than 41 publications, each reflecting his unwavering dedication and profound knowledge.

It has been a privilege to have Bapak Tofan Dwi Harjanto walk the halls of our department. His unwavering commitment to education, and his mentorship have profoundly enriched us all. As Pak Tofan transitions into this new chapter of life, we take this moment to honour and celebrate the indelible mark he has left on our study programme.

Pak Tofan, we extend our deepest gratitude for the years of guidance, inspiration, and wisdom you have shared with us. May your retirement be as rewarding and fulfilling as your time here with us. You leave behind a legacy that will be cherished and upheld for many years to come.

At the end of 2023, “Harmony in Diversity: A Journey from Jogja to Singapore, and Back” emerged as an inspiring collaborative work between the lecturers and students of the English Department, Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM and National University of Singapore (NUS). Along the program, the participants gained a lot of new knowledge regarding cross-cultural interaction; a valuable experience that highlights the importance of celebrating diversity and eliminating the barriers that may hinder the unity among cultures. 

This book is divided into several chapters, written by two lecturers of the English Department (Alvanita, S.S., M.Ed., dan Rahmawan Jatmiko, S.S., M.A.) and ten students of English Department: Maulita Shinta, Misma Ro Daud, Jesse Puspita, Leni Cahya, Mellyana Nungki, Anisa Sofiana, Aulia Muchtarom, Gabriella Novianti, Anis Daika, dan Nur Aini. Those chapters offer fresh perspectives on multiculturalism in Singapore and Indonesia, broadening readers’ awareness of cross-cultural interaction. 

“Harmony in Diversity: A Journey from Jogja to Singapore, and Back”  is a valuable contribution in the topic of multiculturalism and cross-cultural exchange. The writers bring the readers on a journey to reflect how vital communication and cross-cultural awareness are. This collaboration is expected to inspire other cross-cultural exchange programs and academic partnerships in the future, promoting the celebration of harmony in diversity.