JOHOR BAHRU, 26 Oct – The Faculty of Science (FS) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) recently hosted a delegation of academic staff and students from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) at Universitas Hasanuddin (UNHAS) for an enriching academic visit from October 20 to October 26, 2024. The program aimed to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange, particularly in the fields of physics, biosciences, and chemistry. UNHAS is one of the largest autonomous universities in Indonesia, located in Makassar, South Sulawesi, and offers various academic programs across its 14 faculties.
The visit began on October 20, with UNHAS students arriving at UTM’s Scholar’s Inn for accommodation. On October 21, the delegation was officially welcomed by the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shafinaz Shahir, during a ceremony held at the UTM HELIxS Smart Classroom. This initial meeting set a positive tone for the exchange, emphasizing the mutual interests of both faculties and the importance of future exchange programs and research collaborations.
Academic staff from UNHAS conducted guest lectures for FS UTM students. Prof. Fahrudin addressed a group of postgraduate students in the Environmental Bioengineering course, which is led by Dr. Fazilah Abd. Manan. Meanwhile, Dr. Syahribulan delivered a lecture on entomology to undergraduate students in the Ecology course led by Dr. Mohd Farizal Ahmad Kamaroddin. The programs also included concurrent workshops on laser technology for UNHAS physics and geophysics staff, showcasing the capabilities of UTM’s Laser Centre, led by Ts. Dr. Muhammad Safwan Abd Aziz and Dr. Maisarah Duralim.
In addition, UNHAS students had the opportunity to attend various lectures and interact with FS UTM students in the fields of chemistry, biosciences, and physics. These activities facilitated academic discussions, joint learning, and networking, providing valuable exposure for UNHAS students to UTM’s teaching and learning methods. The visit also included lab tours at various Faculty of Science research facilities in the biosciences, physics, and chemistry departments, as well as the Laser Centre, led by Dr. Nur Izzati Mohd Noh, ChM. Dr. Sheela Chandren, and Dr. Nurhafizah Hassim. These activities allowed UNHAS staff and students to gain a deeper understanding of the ongoing research at UTM.
The delegation also had the chance to explore local culture through a tour of Johor Bahru’s heritage sites on the afternoon of 21 October. Furthermore, on 24 October, UNHAS students enjoyed eco-tourism excursions to Kampung Sungai Melayu in Johor Bahru, where they witnessed the livelihood of the coastal community and experienced the mangrove ecosystems. This was followed by a visit to Tanjung Piai National Park, enriching their experience with Johor’s natural landscapes and local communities.
Overall, this academic exchange strengthened the partnership between FMIPA UNHAS and FS UTM, fostering further collaborations in research, student mobility, and joint educational programs in the future. FS UTM expressed gratitude to the staff and students for the hospitality extended to UNHAS staff and students during their stay.
Prepared by:
Assoc. Prof. ChM. Dr. Mohd Firdaus Abdul Wahab
Manager (External and Global Engagements),
Faculty of Science, UTM.
