MALANG, Feb 15 – In a significant stride toward strengthening international academic collaboration, Assoc. Prof. Ch.M. Dr. Roswanira Abdul Wahab from the Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), successfully completed her annual activity as an Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Negeri Malang (UM), Indonesia. This was an annual activity among her other activities in the ongoing strategic partnership between the Faculty of Science, UTM and FMIPA, UM, which underscored both universities’ commitment to fostering cross-border educational and research initiatives.

From 12 to 15 February 2026, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Roswanira conducted a series of high-impact academic events tailored for students and researchers in the Biotechnology program at FMIPA. The program commenced on 12 February 2026 with the “UM-UTM International Workshop on Enzyme Engineering via Molecular Docking,” titled Integrating Bioinformatics Tools to Enhance Enzyme Performance. During the workshop, she showed participants how to use several software programs to do molecular docking for enzyme-ligand interactions, a critical area in modern industrial biotechnology (Photo 1). Using bioinformatics to bridge the gap between traditional laboratory methods is the way forward for more tailored, targeted empirical experiments, thereby enabling rational cost savings. Participants, comprising undergraduates and postgraduate students, gained hands-on experience in molecular docking techniques, enabling them to apply these tools in their own research.

Immediately following the workshop, on the 13th and 14th February 2026, Assoc. Prof. Roswanira delivered an international lecture series for the course INTNBTK236108, Functional Group Chemistry, as part of the International Class within the Biotechnology Study Program at UM, introduced at the FMIPA of UM in 2023. During these sessions, she provided students with advanced insights into the chemical principles of hydrocarbons and alkanes, as well as their reactions for functional group chemistry (Photos 2-3). The international lectures under such a program were designed to complement students’ curricula by offering opportunities to learn from experienced researchers and educators.

The academic visit culminated on 15 February 2026 with a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on Enzyme Research Development, conducted in collaboration with UM. During the FGD, participants consolidated research efforts and charted future directions for enzyme technology development, fostering a robust research network between the two institutions. By bringing together experts from the two institutions, the discussion explored innovative approaches to enzyme engineering and identified opportunities for joint research projects, publications, and grant applications, laying the groundwork for sustained collaboration.

Prof. Dr. Hadi Suwono, M.Si., the Dean of the FMIPA UM, expressed his enthusiasm following the visit, noting that it would enhance students’ learning experience and strengthen research collaboration between the two institutions, paving the way for future initiatives in biotechnology and related fields. Notably, this appointment not only recognized Assoc. Prof. Roswanira’s expertise in enzyme technology, it also reinforced UTM’s position as a globally connected university dedicated to advancing science and technology through meaningful international partnerships.