Surabaya, Indonesia – The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPK) of Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) continues to encourage its students to explore their potential on a global stage. As a concrete form of this commitment, on June 21, 2025, FPK sent two of its outstanding students—Ferlani Zhara Zhafirah from the Marine Science and Technology program and Dini Amelya Putri from the Fishery Product Technology program—to participate in the Silpakorn University Summer School held in Thailand.
The prestigious program, which ran from June 22 to 28, 2025, brought together 50 participants from 14 universities across several countries, including China, South Korea, Taiwan, Cambodia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Both Ferlani and Dini were selected through a competitive internal process that involved interviews and academic assessments. Their participation exemplifies UNAIR’s commitment to producing globally competitive graduates who are ready to contribute to international academic collaboration.
This year’s Summer School focused on Animal Science, emphasizing its development and applications in Thailand. Participants engaged in a comprehensive series of academic sessions covering topics such as microbiology and the ecological role of insects. Beyond theory, students also engaged in practical laboratory activities that deepened their scientific understanding. One of the highlights was the feed formulation experiment, where students learned how different feed compositions affect livestock growth and performance. This practical experience offered valuable insights into the relationship between nutrition and animal productivity—knowledge that resonates deeply with the fields of fisheries and marine sciences. The program also included introductions to regional agricultural diversity, such as tropical fruit products and their potential for value-added innovation.
The learning experience extended beyond the classroom, as participants joined several field visits to gain firsthand exposure to real-world applications of sustainable practices. The first visit was to a palm oil plantation, where they observed the integrated utilization of the entire palm tree—showcasing the importance of sustainability and waste minimization in industry. Another destination was the mangrove conservation area at Sirindhorn International Environmental Park, where participants learned about the ecological importance of mangrove forests. The site visit underscored how mangroves not only protect coastlines but also serve as essential habitats that maintain biodiversity and environmental balance.
Beyond academic enrichment, the program also fostered cross-cultural exchange among students from different nations. Participants interacted closely, shared stories, and exchanged basic language expressions, building genuine friendships and mutual understanding. Interestingly, students from Southeast Asian countries discovered many cultural similarities, creating a warm and familiar atmosphere that bridged national differences. This cultural immersion enhanced their global perspective while strengthening regional ties in education and cooperation.
The participation of Ferlani and Dini in this international program marks another milestone for FPK UNAIR’s ongoing efforts to provide transformative learning experiences for its students. By taking part in global academic activities, they not only gained new scientific insights and cross-cultural understanding but also built a professional network that will be invaluable for their future careers. The program also reflects FPK UNAIR’s dedication to supporting student mobility and internationalization as part of its mission to advance academic excellence and global engagement.
