12 September 2024 | A fruitful collaboration discussion was held between the Biology Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Brawijaya (UB) and the Biosciences Department, Faculty of Science (FS), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). The meeting was led by key representatives from both institutions, including Dr. Irfan Mustafa, Secretary of the Biology Department, and Dr. Mufidah Afiyanti, Head of the Bachelor Degree Program at UB, alongside curriculum specialists. The UTM delegation was represented by Dr. Siti Halimah Hasmoni, Dr. Nurliyana Ahmad Zawawi, Dr. Farah Hanis Juhari, Dr. Muhammad Helmi Nadri, and Dr. Mohd Firdaus Ab Wahab.
The meeting covered several key areas of collaboration:
- Student exchange program: FMIPA UB students will participate in a student exchange at UTM’s Department of Biosciences during Semester II 2024/2025.
- Development of synchronous hybrid classrooms, enabling joint classes between the two institutions.
- Planning for a double-degree program between UTM and UB.
- Guest lectures: FMIPA UB staff will be invited to give guest lectures at FS UTM, and vice versa.
- Promotion of UTM’s MOOCs and Micro-Credentials to UB staff and students.
- Summer school opportunities: UTM’s Tropical Summer School and UB’s Summer School programs will be promoted for mutual participation.
- Research collaboration: UB’s Biology Department expressed interest in collaborating on research, particularly in plant studies involving konjac, seeking partners from UTM’s Biosciences Department.
The meeting was followed by a tour of UTM’s laboratory facilities at T02 and concluded with a lunch session, further strengthening the bonds between the two universities.
This collaboration is expected to enhance academic exchanges, strengthen research partnerships, and foster deeper cooperation between UTM and Universitas Brawijaya.
