In an effort to strengthen international recognition and expand global research networks, two lecturers from the Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Airlangga, namely Muhammad Hanif Azhar, S.Pi., M.Si., Ph.D., and Muhammad Browijoyo Santanumurti, S.Pi., M.Sc., Ph.D., participated in a Full-Time Staff Outbound Program in Malaysia. The international academic initiative was conducted for one week, from May 7 to May 13, 2026, at the Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), one of the leading universities in Southeast Asia and globally. The program served as a strategic platform to foster collaborative research, strengthen academic diplomacy, and support Universitas Airlangga’s vision toward becoming a World Class University.
Cross-Country Synergy for Fisheries Innovation
During their visit to UPM, the delegation was warmly welcomed by local experts and researchers, including Dr. Azfar Bin Ismail and Dr. Zarirah Zulperi. The face-to-face discussions became an important momentum to reinforce bilateral cooperation between higher education institutions from Indonesia and Malaysia, particularly in the field of aquaculture, including hatchery management and post-harvest technology. The visit was designed not only as an academic exchange, but also as a long-term collaborative effort to develop innovative solutions for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture industries.
Throughout the outbound program, both institutions engaged in collaborative research activities and intensive brainstorming sessions regarding current global research trends in aquaculture. Discussions focused on the integration of post-harvest technologies to improve aquaculture product quality, increase production efficiency, and address global food security challenges. The exchange of ideas between researchers from both universities demonstrated the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in responding to the rapidly evolving demands of the fisheries sector.
In addition, the program opened opportunities for broader scientific cooperation, particularly in producing joint international publications in reputable journals. The academic interaction also allowed both parties to identify potential research topics that align with sustainable aquaculture development and blue economy initiatives. Through this collaboration, the lecturers expected to establish stronger academic partnerships that would contribute significantly to scientific advancement and innovation in fisheries science.
The outbound activity further highlighted the role of international academic mobility in enhancing institutional competitiveness. By participating in global academic networks, lecturers gain wider exposure to advanced research methodologies, international perspectives, and collaborative opportunities that can enrich teaching and research quality within the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Airlangga.
Commitment Toward a World Class University
The Staff Outbound Program represented more than a routine academic visit; it reflected a strategic commitment by Universitas Airlangga to strengthen its international academic reputation. Through collaborative research and global engagement, the university continues to encourage its academic staff to actively contribute to international scientific communities. The partnership between Universitas Airlangga and Universiti Putra Malaysia is expected to generate impactful innovations that support the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in both Indonesia and Malaysia.
Moreover, the collaboration is anticipated to create future opportunities for student exchange programs, joint supervision, and expanded academic partnerships between the two institutions. Such initiatives are essential in building sustainable international cooperation that benefits students, researchers, and academic institutions alike. The lecturers emphasized that strengthening academic diplomacy through outbound programs can foster mutual understanding, improve research productivity, and enhance the global visibility of both universities.
The implementation of this international program also demonstrates Universitas Airlangga’s dedication to supporting sustainable academic development and strengthening the competence of its lecturers in the international arena. By continuously encouraging international collaboration, the university aims to produce innovative and solution-oriented scientific works that address real-world challenges, particularly in fisheries, aquaculture, and food security.
Through the successful completion of this outbound program, both universities are expected to maintain sustainable cooperation in the future. The synergy established during the visit is projected to contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge, improve academic reputation, and strengthen institutional partnerships at the global level. Ultimately, the initiative reflects the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences’ ongoing commitment to internationalization and excellence in higher education and research.
Author: Muhammad Browijoyo Santanumurti
Editor: TPA
