The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPK) Universitas Airlangga held a guest lecture entitled “Career Opportunities and Transformations for Young Generations in the Modern Fisheries and Marine Industry” on Tuesday (June 2, 2026) at Candradimuka Auditorium, Joint Lecture Building, Campus C Universitas Airlangga. Attended by hundreds of FPK UNAIR students, the event aimed to provide insights into the wide range of career opportunities and business development prospects within the fisheries and marine sectors.
As the fisheries and marine industries continue to evolve through technological innovation, sustainability initiatives, and global collaboration, young professionals are increasingly required to adapt to new challenges and opportunities. Through this guest lecture, FPK UNAIR introduced students to real-world career pathways by inviting accomplished alumni who have successfully built careers in both entrepreneurship and international marine conservation. Their experiences demonstrated how fisheries and marine science graduates can contribute to industry development while addressing environmental and societal needs.
Exploring Aquaculture Entrepreneurship and Industry Development
The guest lecture featured two alumni from the Aquaculture Study Program of FPK UNAIR: Muhammad Syarif Satriyo Samudra, a member of the Class of 2021, and Muhammad Cesar Briliandi from the Class of 2016. Coming from different professional backgrounds, both speakers shared valuable experiences and perspectives on career transformation in response to the rapidly changing fisheries and marine industries.
In his presentation, Muhammad Syarif Satriyo Samudra emphasized that aquaculture remains one of the most promising sectors for future development. He highlighted the vast potential of underutilized aquatic resources, particularly abandoned or unproductive ponds that can be revitalized through proper management and modern aquaculture technologies. According to him, optimizing these resources not only increases fisheries productivity but also creates employment opportunities and supports local economic growth.
Satriyo further shared his entrepreneurial journey through PT Rejeki Bintang Samudra, a company specializing in the cultivation of Gracilaria verrucosa seaweed and milkfish. Drawing from his experiences, he encouraged students to recognize and maximize the potential available within their own regions. Rather than searching for opportunities elsewhere, he advised future graduates to focus on tangible opportunities that already exist around them and develop innovative solutions based on local resources.
He also stressed the importance of cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset among university students. Beyond becoming job seekers after graduation, students should aspire to become job creators who contribute to community development through sustainable business initiatives. His message reflected the growing importance of entrepreneurship in strengthening Indonesia’s fisheries sector and increasing the competitiveness of aquaculture industries in the future.
International Career Prospects in Marine Science and Conservation
While Satriyo introduced career opportunities through entrepreneurship and aquaculture industry development, Muhammad Cesar Briliandi offered a different perspective by discussing international career pathways in marine science and conservation.
After completing his undergraduate studies at FPK UNAIR, Cesar pursued a master’s degree at National Taiwan Ocean University (NTOU), Taiwan. He currently works as a Marine Biologist at Sub-Oceanic, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, where he is actively involved in marine conservation programs and environmental education activities. In addition to his expertise in marine biology and conservation, he also holds an Assistant Diving Instructor certification, further strengthening his professional competencies in marine-related fields.
During his presentation, Cesar explained that the marine sector offers diverse career opportunities, including scientific research, marine conservation, ecotourism, environmental education, and professional diving industries. As global awareness of ocean sustainability continues to grow, demand for qualified professionals with multidisciplinary skills is also increasing. He encouraged students to develop confidence and embrace opportunities beyond conventional career paths.
According to Cesar, success in the marine sector begins with a willingness to adapt and continuously learn. He emphasized that academic knowledge alone is not sufficient in today’s professional landscape. Instead, graduates must also develop practical skills, international perspectives, and the ability to respond to technological advancements and industry demands. His career journey serves as an example of how fisheries and marine science graduates can build successful international careers while contributing to marine ecosystem conservation.
Strengthening Career Awareness Through Alumni Engagement
At the same event, Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences Universitas Airlangga, Prof. Dr. Endang Dewi Masithah, Ir., M.P., highlighted the broad career prospects available in aquaculture and related fields. She explained that fisheries and marine science graduates have opportunities to pursue careers in aquaculture production, industrial development, research, conservation, public service, and entrepreneurship.
According to Prof. Endang, inviting alumni to share their professional experiences is an important strategy for helping students understand the realities of the workforce from the beginning of their academic journey. By exposing students to successful alumni stories, the faculty hopes to inspire them to identify their career goals early and develop the competencies necessary to achieve them during their years at university.
The guest lecture also reflected FPK UNAIR’s commitment to strengthening connections between the faculty and its alumni network. Alumni who have achieved success at both national and international levels can provide valuable insights, mentorship, and inspiration for current students. Such interactions help bridge academic learning with industry expectations while fostering a culture of lifelong professional engagement within the faculty community.
Furthermore, the event supports the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Discussions on aquaculture development, aquatic resource management, and marine conservation underscored the critical role of young professionals in promoting sustainable fisheries and protecting marine ecosystems. Meanwhile, alumni participation demonstrated the importance of collaborative partnerships between higher education institutions and graduates in advancing sustainable fisheries and marine development.
Writer: Alejandro Ahmad Zuhayr
Editor: TPA
