International collaboration in higher education institutions is one of the crucial aspects to improve reputation, academic quality, broaden the perspectives of researchers and students and address global challenges. By establishing partnerships with institutions and researchers around the world, universities can share resources and knowledge that lead to innovative research, curriculum improvement, provide a more dynamic educational environment to prepare students to thrive in a global world. International collaboration is not only an academic exchange, but also a cultural exchange to enrich the university community, promote inclusivity and diversity.
Faculty of Fisheries Kasetsart University and Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences Universitas Brawijaya (FFMS UB) have established themselves as pioneers in the field of aquatic sciences and have a shared commitment to advancing science, research, and education in this field. Both institutions have been part of the initiators and main members of the ASEAN Fisheries Education Network (ASEAN FEN) since 2014. To deepen bilateral collaboration, both institutions are committed to exploring potential collaborations in both academic and non-academic fields.
Utilizing the 2024 Universitas Brawijaya Lecturer Grant, the FFMS UB team, especially from the Fisheries Product Technology Study Program, led by by Prof. Happy Nursyam, planned, discussed, and prepared collaboration plans. On September 24-28, 2024, representatives of the team departed for Thailand, and were well received by the Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries, Assc. Prof. Suriyan Tunkijjanukij, Assc. Dean for International Affairs, Dr. Wanwimol Klaypradit and the Kasetsart University team.
During this visit, the team also represented FFMS UB to conduct a signing ceremony for the Memorandum of Agreement. Faculty of Fisheries Kasetsart University was represented by Assc. Prof. Suriyan Tunkijjanukij and FFMS UB was represented by Prof. Happy Nursyam as the Expert Staff of the Dean for International Collaboration and Retno Tri Astuti, S.Si., M.Si as the Head of the Fishery Product Technology (THP) Study Program.
In addition to the signing of the MoA, the two teams carried out a series of activities including presentations from both parties, discussions on potential joint research and publications, visits to laboratory facilities and learning facilities, and exploration of other potential collaborations, especially in the academic field, such as student exchange programs , research collaborations and visiting professors.
Dr. Suriyan in his speech said that both institutions have a history of good relations under the auspices of ASEAN FEN. However, bilateral cooperation between the two still leaves a lot of room to be explored and refined. Dr. Suriyan also expressed his appreciation for the team’s visit which is expected to deepen cooperation and regeneration as well as good relations between the two parties to achieve comprehensive and sustainable collaboration based on trust, mutual benefit and equality.
At this meeting, a separate meeting was also held with a team from the Fishery Product Department chaired by Assistant Professor Nantipa Pansawat to discuss in more detail the collaboration plan with the FFMS UB Fishery Product Technology Study Program. Based on the QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) World University Rankings 2023, Kasetsart University is a QS-100 top universities by subject , ranking 62nd in the field of Agriculture and Forestry. This is believed to have a positive influence in increasing the visibility of the Fishery Product Technology Study Program in the international arena, contributing to the achievement of the Faculty’s IKU and in realizing the vision of Universitas Brawijaya one step closer to becoming a World Class University. [*]
