The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Airlangga (FPK UNAIR) once again hosted Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture (TROFIA) 2026 from 4–8 May 2026 at Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya. Designed as an international inbound academic program, TROFIA 2026 brought together students and scholars from across Southeast Asia to deepen their understanding of sustainable tropical fisheries and aquaculture while expanding regional academic networks.
TROFIA 2026 welcomed participants from Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing higher education collaboration in tropical fisheries and aquaculture. Delegates from Malaysia represented Universiti Malaya, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Universiti Sains Malaysia, and Universiti Teknologi MARA. Thailand was represented by Kasetsart University, while the Philippines was represented by Visayas State University. The presence of these institutions underscored the growing importance of cross-border partnerships in addressing regional challenges in aquaculture production, environmental sustainability, and biotechnology innovation. By convening diverse academic communities in Surabaya, FPK UNAIR positioned TROFIA 2026 as a strategic platform for knowledge exchange and long-term cooperation in Southeast Asia.
Opening Ceremony and Collaborative Commitment
The program officially commenced with an Opening Ceremony marking the beginning of academic sessions and intercultural engagement. In his remarks, the Vice Dean of FPK UNAIR, Annur Ahadi Abdillah, S.Pi., M.Si., Ph.D., expressed appreciation for the participation of international students and lecturers in TROFIA 2026. He emphasized that the program serves not only as a learning forum but also as a strategic space to cultivate sustainable academic partnerships.
He highlighted that global challenges in fisheries and aquaculture—ranging from climate change impacts to resource efficiency and food security—require synergy among universities, active knowledge exchange, and strengthened international collaboration. Through TROFIA, FPK UNAIR aims to broaden its partnership network and enhance the quality of regional academic engagement. The Opening Ceremony symbolized a collective commitment to advancing tropical aquaculture through cooperation, innovation, and shared expertise. By fostering dialogue among institutions, TROFIA 2026 reinforces the role of higher education in generating solutions that are scientifically grounded and regionally relevant.
First Day Academic Sessions
The academic series began with an institutional introduction to Universitas Airlangga and the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, delivered by Dwi Yuli Pujiastuti. Participants received a comprehensive overview of the university profile, academic programs, laboratory facilities, and opportunities for research collaboration and international initiatives at FPK UNAIR. This session provided foundational insight into the faculty’s academic strengths and opened avenues for potential joint research, student exchanges, and collaborative projects.
The program continued with a lecture titled “Structural Adaptation of a Cold-Active Alpha-Galactosidase from Glaciozyma antarctica PI12: Implications for Tropical Aquaculture Biotechnology,” presented by Dr. Shuhaila Mat Sharani from Universiti Sains Malaysia. As a scholar in molecular biotechnology and enzymology, she explained the structural adaptation mechanisms of cold-active enzymes and their potential applications in enhancing tropical aquaculture biotechnology. Her presentation demonstrated how cross-country research contributes to technological innovation, particularly in improving feed efficiency, enzymatic processes, and sustainable production systems in aquaculture.
The lecture series was followed by a session entitled “Biofloc System Without Cultured Organism: Fundamentals and Applications,” delivered by Dr. Arif Azizi Bin Che Harun from Universiti Teknologi MARA. Specializing in aquaculture systems and water quality management, he elaborated on the fundamental principles of biofloc technology and its applications in increasing production efficiency while maintaining environmental stability. The discussion emphasized the role of research-based innovation in addressing sustainability challenges in aquaculture.
The academic agenda was complemented by a Faculty and University Tour aimed at introducing participants to the academic environment and learning support facilities at Universitas Airlangga. TROFIA participants explored various facilities within the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, including biotechnology laboratories, anatomy and aquaculture laboratories, aquaponic pond areas, and other supporting infrastructures that facilitate practical learning and research activities. The visit continued to the Universitas Airlangga Rectorate Building located at the center of Campus C, offering international participants a broader understanding of the university’s institutional identity and academic ecosystem. This immersive experience strengthened participants’ appreciation of the infrastructure supporting fisheries and marine science education at FPK UNAIR.
Implementation of SDGs 17: Partnerships for the Goals
The implementation of TROFIA 2026 directly reflects the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals. The program serves as a collaborative platform connecting higher education institutions from multiple countries to share knowledge, expand academic networks, and initiate research and student exchange opportunities.
Through academic interactions, scientific discussions, and shared learning experiences, TROFIA 2026 reinforces strategic partnerships among universities in Southeast Asia. These collaborations are expected to extend beyond short-term activities and evolve into joint research initiatives, co-authored publications, and cross-border academic programs. By aligning with SDG 17, TROFIA demonstrates how international academic cooperation can contribute to strengthening institutional capacity and advancing sustainable fisheries development.
With the successful organization of TROFIA 2026, FPK UNAIR reaffirms its role as an institution actively engaged in global partnership building and sustainable collaboration in tropical fisheries and aquaculture. The program stands as tangible evidence that expanding international networks is a strategic step toward enhancing higher education quality while amplifying academic impact at regional and global levels.
Writer : Alejandro Ahmad Zuhayr
Editor : TPA
