UNAIR NEWS – Defia Putri Mahardika, a student in the Fishery Products Technology (THP) program at the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science (FPK), Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), participated as a delegate in the New Southbound Policy Elite Study Program in Taiwan. The five-month program ran from September 2025 through January 2026.
Pride in representing an international forum
Mahardika explained that the program focuses on three key areas: academics, Mandarin language development, and cross-cultural understanding. “Taiwan offers high-quality education, especially in science, technology, fisheries, and marine studies. The learning approach emphasizes active discussion and a student-centered method. Additionally, Taiwan promotes international cooperation through initiatives such as the New Southbound Policy,” she said.
In preparation for the program, the faculty provided comprehensive support, including program information, administrative assistance, and academic recommendation letters. “This program is fully funded by the Taiwanese government, allowing participants to concentrate entirely on their studies,” she added.
The program began with an opening ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Taipei. “This was a memorable experience that instilled pride in representing both my university and Indonesia at an international forum,” she shared.
Delegates of the New Southbound Policy Elite Study Program during cross-cultural activities (Photo: By courtesy)
Making the most of research opportunities
In addition to participating in program activities, Mahardika took the opportunity to conduct individual research at National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST). Her research was carried out from November 2025 to January 2026 alongside the busy Southbound program schedule.
Her study focused on food innovation, specifically developing a brown rice-based puff snack using Eucheuma cottonii substitution. “The research resulted in a gluten-free puff snack. This is a novel approach because Eucheuma cottonii has not been applied in gluten-free puff products before,” she emphasized.
The research produced a gluten-free snack and data on its characteristics, including physical properties such as expansion and texture, chemical composition, and potential nutritional improvements from algae addition. The results are planned to be compiled into a scientific report and may lead to a research article on functional food innovation.
“Time management was a major challenge during this research. The intensiveSouthbound program from November to January required strict discipline to maintain balance. Moreover, being the only FPK UNAIR student at NPUST demanded independence in understanding lab equipment and procedures,” Mahardika said.
Despite these challenges, collaborating with students from seven partner countries provided invaluable experience. “I hope this research contributes meaningfully to my academic and research journey. The key lesson is to never hesitate to try and take part in international programs,” she concluded.
Author: Bethari Sri Indrajayanti
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
