UNAIR NEWS – Seven students from the Fisheries Product Technology (THP) program, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPK), Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), took part in a Student Outbound Program at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). The two-day program, held from Wednesday to Thursday (October 22–23, 2025), brought together Najmi Ebqory Farrail Al-Ilmy, Mutiara Pinastika Hadi Ikhsani, Najwa Hariza Fariha, Aretha Rut Novenia Sitorus, Almisa Amalia Aziz Syafa, Salsabiila Ramadhani, and Matthew Allen Wibowo as UNAIR’s delegates.
Insightful exploration and cultural immersion
According to Salsabiila Ramadhani, the first day of the program began with discussions on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between FPK UNAIR and the Borneo Marine Research Institute (BMRI). The agenda continued with a hatchery tour where students observed grouper and snapper aquaculture, followed by visits to UMS’s artificial aquarium and marine research laboratories. On the second day, participants took part in a community outreach activity at Desa Lingkar Timur, Kota Belud, a partner village supported by UMS. Afterward, the delegation visited Kota Belud Market, the Filipino Market, and several shopping centers in Kota Kinabalu to experience local culture firsthand.
Ramadhani shared that the program’s main focus was exploring UMS’s research facilities, which broadened her perspective on career opportunities in the fisheries and marine sciences sector. “Initially, I thought understanding raw material processing was sufficient. But after seeing firsthand how marine biota can serve as the foundation for innovative and practical research, I became more inspired to pursue research and a career as a scientist,” she said.
She added that the most memorable experience was assisting lecturers in community service activities, which fostered a sense of pride as a UNAIR representative while deepening her academic insight. “Graduate students there are entirely research-focused. To graduate with honors, they must publish in a Scopus-indexed journal. This program enhanced my confidence in communication, expanded my knowledge, and taught me the importance of respecting Malaysian culture,” she added.
Research opportunities and global collaboration
Meanwhile, Matthew Allen Wibowo praised the advanced and comprehensive laboratory facilities at UMS. “Their equipment is modern and complete, supported by a peaceful environment and highly capable researchers,” he said.
Wibowo emphasized that the program strengthened his understanding of the importance of international cooperation in expanding research collaborations between FPK UNAIR and UMS. “This international experience is an invaluable investment for students in today’s globalized world. It broadens our perspectives, allows us to exchange ideas, and helps us build global networks for the future,” he explained.
He admitted that adapting to Sabah’s unfamiliar surroundings presented some initial challenges. “I relied on Google Maps and asked local residents for directions to get around,” he said with a smile.
Wibowo expressed optimism that the partnership between FPK UNAIR and UMS would continue to grow.“I hope a double-degree program can be developed in the future, so students can experience international learning firsthand. This collaboration is not only an academic exchange but also a bridge of friendship between two neighboring nations,” he concluded.
Author: Bethari Sri Indrajayanti
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
