On Monday (25/02/2025), the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya (FFMS UB) together with the Marine Science Study Program, Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Trengganu (UMT) signed the Implementing Agreement (IA) manuscript. This agreement includes cooperation in the fields of research, teaching, and community service. Both parties hope that this collaboration can improve academic quality and enrich the experience of students and lecturers in the field of marine science.
Taking place in the Meeting Room, 2nd Floor, Building B, FFMS UB, this event was attended by representatives of both institutions, including leaders, lecturers and students.
This activity was opened by Prof. Dr. Eng Abu Bakar Sambah, S.Pi., MT as the Vice Dean for Student Affairs, Alumni, and Student Entrepreneurship, and Prof. Dr. Sc.. Asep Awaluddin Prihanto, S.Pi., MP as the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, together with the heads of departments and heads of study programs in the FFMS UB environment. The delegation from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu consisted of 1 lecturer, namely Assoc. Prof. ChM. Dr. Ong Meng Chuan, along with 10 students who participated in this program.
In his speech, Prof. Abu Bakar Sambah said that this collaboration is a strategic step in strengthening international networks and expanding opportunities for students and lecturers to collaborate with foreign institutions. Meanwhile, UMT representative, Assoc. Prof. Ts. Chm. Dr. Ong Meng Chuan expressed his enthusiasm for this collaboration and hoped that it would provide benefits for both institutions and the academic world in general.
After the signing of the agreement, the agenda continued with a presentation session from students discussing various topics related to marine science. This presentation was a place for students to share research results and innovative ideas that are relevant to challenges and opportunities in the marine field. Some of the topics presented included the sustainability of marine ecosystems, the latest technology in marine exploration, and climate change mitigation strategies that impact the marine environment.
The enthusiasm of the participants was evident from the many discussions that emerged in the question and answer session after the presentation. Students and lecturers from both institutions were actively involved in exchanging ideas and exploring deeper into various potential collaborations that could be developed further.
This collaboration is expected to strengthen academic relations between UB and UMT, as well as open wider opportunities in marine science research and development in both institutions. With this collaboration, it is expected that innovations and solutions will emerge that can contribute to the advancement of marine science and the sustainability of marine ecosystems. In addition, this synergy is also expected to produce joint scientific publications that will enrich the treasury of knowledge in the marine field.
With various agendas that have been designed, the cooperation between FFMS UB and UMT is expected not only to stop at a formal agreement, but also to develop into a real program that provides benefits for students, lecturers, and the wider community. This effort is in line with the vision of both institutions to become a center of excellence in marine science research and development that has a global impact. [rza/yfs]
