Aquaculture students from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine (FPK), Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), participated in an academic visit to Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Johor, Malaysia, on August 11–12, 2026. The two-day activity provided students with an international academic learning experience to broaden their knowledge of microalgae while introducing them to the academic environment and cultural context of higher education in Malaysia.
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Studying microalgae is important because these organisms are closely associated with aquatic ecosystem dynamics and have significant potential for technological and scientific innovation. In aquaculture, microalgae can serve as a source of biomass, natural feed, and an important component in maintaining and supporting the quality of the aquatic environment. Understanding their characteristics and presence is therefore essential for students to develop more effective, innovative, and sustainable aquaculture practices.
This understanding was further strengthened through hands-on learning during the academic visit of FPK UNAIR Aquaculture students to UTM. The activity began with water sampling, followed by microscopic observation in the laboratory to identify organisms present in the samples. Students also gained practical experience in performing the streak plate technique, a basic laboratory method used for cultivating and separating microorganisms. This series of activities provided students with an applied learning experience while enriching their understanding of aquatic microorganisms and laboratory techniques relevant to the development of aquaculture science.
Exploring the Culture and Facilities at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Beyond the academic activities, the visit to UTM also provided students with an opportunity to experience Malaysian culture, observe the educational environment, and explore the facilities available at a higher education institution abroad. Interactions throughout the program encouraged students to gain cross-cultural experiences while identifying similarities and differences between academic environments in Indonesia and Malaysia.
International activities such as this also contribute to the achievement of SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Through the program, participants gained learning experiences and academic perspectives in a multicultural environment while strengthening academic networks and collaboration between educational institutions across countries.
Building Students’ International Academic Perspectives
Through this academic visit, Aquaculture students of FPK UNAIR are expected to gain not only new knowledge about microalgae but also broader perspectives on the development of higher education, academic facilities, and learning environments at the international level.
The two-day program at UTM became a valuable addition to the students’ academic learning experience while providing new perspectives on the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange in advancing the aquaculture sector in the future.
Writer: Christian Fernando
Editor : Alejandro Ahmad Zuhayr
