Malang & Surabaya, Indonesia | 10–13 February 2026
The Joint Supervision Program 2026 between Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Universitas Negeri Malang (UM) was successfully held from 10–13 February 2026 in Malang and Surabaya, Indonesia. The program aimed to strengthen postgraduate supervision, enhance research collaboration, and expand institutional networking between Malaysia and Indonesia. This program was organized by Dr Hendra Susanto, Head of Biology Department, FMIPA, Universitas Negeri Malang.
According to the official program document the visit began on 10 February 2026 with a courtesy meeting with the Dean of FMIPA, Universitas Negeri Malang, Prof. Dr. Hadi Suwono. The delegation also met Dr. Hendra Susanto, Head of the Biology Department, FMIPA, Universitas Negeri Malang, at the UTM–UM Satellite Office to discuss joint supervision structures and research collaboration.
On the same day, a short meeting was held with Prof. Dr. Hadi Nur, Head of the Integrated Laboratory, Universitas Negeri Malang and Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Science, UTM, further strengthening laboratory and research linkages.
Assoc. Prof. Ts. ChM. Dr. Nik Ahmad Nizam Nik Malek delivered a Guest Lecture to undergraduate Biology students on “Natural Products for Health – The Importance of Understanding Organic Chemistry.” The session emphasized the integration of organic chemistry principles in natural product research and health applications. A Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was also conducted with research students under the supervision of Dr. Hendra Susanto, focusing on research planning, supervision strategies, and publication excellence.
On 11 February 2026, the delegation held a short breakfast meeting with Prof. Markus Diantoro Resmi, Vice Rector III (newly appointed), Universitas Negeri Malang. A luncheon meeting was also organized with the FMIPA administrators, including:
- Prof. Dr. Ahmad Taufiq (Vice Dean III)
- Dr. Hendra Susanto (Head of Biology Department)
- Prof. Sunaryono (Head of Physics Department)
- Dr. Lathiful Anwar (Head of Mathematics Department)
- Prof. Dr. Sc. Anugrah Ricky Wijaya (Head of Chemistry Department)
- Prof. Habiddin (Head of IPA Department)
These discussions highlighted interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities across Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Science Education.
On 12 February 2026, the Department of Biology, FMIPA, Universitas Negeri Malang proudly hosted a Guest Lecture titled “Process and Tips of Excellent Scientific and Technical Writing” delivered by Assoc. Prof. Ts. ChM. Dr. Nik Ahmad Nizam Nik Malek from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. The lecture attracted strong participation and provided practical guidance on manuscript preparation, journal selection, and publication strategies.
The delegation also visited the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, meeting with:
- Dr. Husnul Khotimah, Vice Dean for General Affairs, Finance, and Resources
- Dr. dr. Shahdevi Nandar Kurniawan, Vice Dean for Student Affairs, Alumni, and Student Entrepreneurship
The visit included a tour of the Museum Anatomi and Innovation Hub.
A strategic discussion was also held between Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norahim Ibrahim, Deputy Director of UTM International, and Dr. Hendra Susanto, focusing on strengthening international mobility and structured joint supervision frameworks.
The program concluded on 13 February 2026 with a visit to the Faculty of Advanced Technology and Multidiscipline, Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), Surabaya. The delegation met with:
- Prof. Dr. Ir. Retna Apsari, M.Si., IPM., ASEAN Eng. (Dean)
- Prof. Dr. Ni’matuzahroh, Dra. (Wakil Dekan I)
- Prastika Krisma Jiwanti, S.Si., M.Sc.Eng., Ph.D. (Plt. Wakil Dekan III)
- Dr. Suhailah, S.Si., M.Si., Lecturer in Nanotechnology Engineering
Key Outcomes of the Program
As outlined in the official program document , the collaboration produced several strategic outcomes:
- Proposal to organize a joint undergraduate competition co-hosted by UTM and Universitas Negeri Malang (screening stage in Indonesia, final stage at UTM).
- Expansion of joint conferences, including nano-related conferences with CSNano.
- Strengthening academic visitation and mobility programs involving Universitas Negeri Malang, Universitas Brawijaya, and Universitas Airlangga.
- Plans to formalize collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Strengthening ASEAN Academic Excellence
The Joint Supervision Program 2026 successfully reinforced academic diplomacy between Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and leading Indonesian universities. Through strategic meetings, guest lectures, institutional engagements, and cross-faculty discussions involving all key leaders and administrators, the program has laid a strong foundation for sustained research collaboration, joint supervision, and regional academic excellence within ASEAN.
