SURABAYA, Aug 8 – Fourteen second-year undergraduate students from the Bachelor of Science (Biology) with Honours program, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), successfully participated in the “Route to TROFIA: Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture” program hosted by Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), Surabaya, Indonesia, from 4 to 8 August 2025. The academic mobility initiative brought together 60 undergraduate participants from top universities across Malaysia and Southeast Asia, providing an invaluable platform for knowledge sharing, cultural immersion, and future research collaboration.
TROFIA is designed to enhance student understanding of tropical fisheries systems and aquaculture practices while encouraging innovation and sustainability in aquatic sciences. The program addresses pressing global challenges such as food security, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable resource management, issues that resonate strongly with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, the program’s focus aligns with SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), highlighting its relevance to both regional and international agendas. Through academic lectures, laboratory work, field visits, and cultural activities, TROFIA equipped participants with technical expertise as well as a strong sense of responsibility towards sustainable development in the tropics.
The Faculty of Science at UTM nominated the undergraduate student delegation as part of its mission to nurture globally competitive graduates with valuable international exposure. By participating in TROFIA, UTM reinforced its role as a university committed to addressing regional and global challenges through education, research, and collaboration. This initiative is in line with UTM’s broader aspirations of expanding its international footprint, empowering students with global perspectives, and strengthening its reputation as a leader in science and technology.
For the students, the program proved to be an eye-opening journey. They visited aquaculture farms, hatcheries, and mangrove ecosystems while also engaging in hands-on workshops such as aquascape design and fish nugget processing. Reflecting on her experience, Nur Alya Nahfisya Mohd Azizi, one of the undergraduate participants, remarked, “The field visits and laboratory sessions gave us real-world perspectives that cannot be learned from textbooks. I am inspired to apply sustainable aquaculture ideas in Malaysia.” Other students emphasized that working with peers from different countries not only deepened their understanding of aquaculture but also improved their teamwork, adaptability, and communication skills. One participant noted, “Collaborating with students from diverse backgrounds gave me confidence to share ideas in international discussions and broadened my perspective as a young scientist.”
Beyond the academic benefits, TROFIA also reinforced institutional ties between UTM and UNAIR. Both universities expressed interest in pursuing long-term collaborations, including joint research projects, staff exchanges, and further student mobility initiatives. Such partnerships are expected to create greater opportunities for cross-border cooperation in tropical fisheries and aquaculture, paving the way for innovative solutions to shared environmental and scientific challenges.
In his closing speech, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Irfan Wahyudi, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, UNAIR, expressed his appreciation: “We are proud to host UTM students in this program. TROFIA is not just about fisheries, it is about building bridges between young scientists who will lead sustainability efforts in the future.” UTM representatives also highlighted their commitment to supporting similar initiatives in the years ahead, recognizing that international exposure is vital in preparing students to become leaders in science and sustainability. With strengthened knowledge, expanded networks, and renewed determination, UTM’s undergraduate participation in TROFIA reflects the university’s commitment to internationalization and sustainable development. The success of this program not only enriches the academic journey of its students but also strengthens UTM’s role in fostering regional collaboration for the future of tropical fisheries and aquaculture.