Surabaya – Eleven students from the Fisheries Product Technology (THP) Study Program, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine (FPK) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), participated in the Internship @ Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) program in Terengganu, Malaysia. Held from August 1–23, 2026, the program provided students with an opportunity to conduct research on melanin film as a packaging material for tiger shrimp, while gaining academic and professional experience in an international environment.
All THP students involved in the program worked on the same research topic while examining different parameters to develop an optimal melanin film formulation. The research aims to maintain the quality and freshness of shrimp during storage through innovative packaging technology. The topic is particularly relevant to the fisheries sector, which continues to require technologies capable of preserving product quality while extending shelf life.
Through direct research activities, students not only gained a theoretical understanding of melanin film but also participated in the research and formulation development process. Izzudin, one of the internship participants, described the experience as a valuable opportunity to deepen the knowledge he had previously acquired through coursework.
“This research-based internship was a memorable experience because it gave THP students the opportunity to explore melanin film in greater depth. I also gained valuable experience through conducting research directly in an international academic environment,” he said.
The experience was further supported by FPK UNAIR and UMT as the host university, which provided students with opportunities to learn and receive guidance throughout the program. Interactions with the UMT academic community also introduced students to a different research environment, encouraging them to strengthen their adaptability and independence.
Stepping Beyond the Comfort Zone
Beyond research activities, the internship became an opportunity for students to step outside their comfort zones. Being immersed in an overseas academic environment required participants to navigate experiences they might not have encountered on their home campus. For one participant, the decision to join the program initially came with fear, but that feeling ultimately became a motivation to grow.
“At first, I was afraid to participate in this program, but I tried to overcome that fear. In my opinion, fear is not something we should always listen to. Instead, it can motivate us to move further and try new experiences,” the student said.
The experience demonstrates that international internships can contribute not only to students’ academic and research competencies but also to their personal development. Exposure to a different academic culture allows students to build confidence, independence, communication skills, and adaptability while working toward shared research objectives.
Advancing Sustainable Fisheries Product Innovation
Through Internship @ UMT, THP students at FPK UNAIR gained an integrated learning experience combining education, research, and personal development in an international setting. The development of melanin film to preserve the quality of fisheries products also contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through efforts to maintain access to quality food and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through the development of innovative processing and packaging technologies. Meanwhile, the collaboration between FPK UNAIR and UMT supports SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening cross-border educational and research networks.
The experience is expected to equip students with stronger competencies in fisheries product technology, broaden their international perspectives, and enable them to apply the knowledge gained toward future innovation in the fisheries sector.
Author: Farrel Bhanu Mahardhika
Editor: Terry Previo Avianto
