Surabaya, October 29, 2025 – The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPK) at Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) welcomed an official visit from the Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Malaysia. The meeting brought together FPK’s Dean, Vice Deans II and III, along with the research team in fisheries and biological resources, who held strategic discussions with Prof. Dr. Hafizan Juahir from the Faculty of Bioresources and Food Industry, UniSZA. This meeting marked an important step in enhancing cross-border academic and research collaboration, particularly in areas related to biological resource management, sustainable food industries, and the use of scientific data for evidence-based policy development.
During the session, Prof. Dr. Hafizan Juahir shared insights on the integrated academic framework implemented at UniSZA, which aligns various study programs under common strategic goals. One of the key initiatives discussed was a research project focused on developing potato-based food products, where not only the main product is processed for consumption but also the by-products are innovatively utilized as animal feed or other value-added materials. This approach reflects the circular economy model, ensuring that no part of the raw material is wasted and that all production outputs contribute to sustainable economic value.
The meeting also emphasized aligning research agendas and academic collaborations through joint research initiatives, shared academic programs, and measurable collaborative outputs. Both parties discussed the potential development of internship programs for students and faculty members, aiming to foster international exposure and hands-on learning. The main focus areas established during the discussion included data-driven environmental quality and food security research, innovation in biotechnology and applied microbiology, and computational analysis for decision-making in the food and aquaculture sectors. The collaboration roadmap will include joint publications, faculty and student exchange programs, and regional research grant proposals, highlighting the shared vision of advancing sustainable fisheries and food system research.
To ensure effective implementation, both institutions explored the possibility of formalizing a research partnership agreement focusing on joint studies, internship exchanges, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. They also discussed the organization of joint seminars, guest lectures, and scientific workshops as platforms for academic exchange and capacity building. These initiatives are expected to strengthen institutional ties, expand regional collaboration, and enhance both universities’ reputations in the global academic and research landscape.
The strategic meeting concluded with optimism, as both FPK UNAIR and UniSZA reaffirmed their shared commitment to building a collaborative ecosystem that supports innovation, sustainability, and knowledge transfer. This partnership not only aims to advance research excellence but also to produce real-world impacts through sustainable practices in the fields of fisheries, biological resources, and food technology.
Writer: Muhammad Hanif Azhar
