đź“ť Summary
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) strengthened its academic ties with Cagayan State University (CSU) in the Philippines through a seven-day exchange program on multidisciplinary and SDG-oriented research and development. The program brought together CSU academic staff and students for activities focusing on research, academic networking, innovation, and cultural exchange. The exchange provided a platform for future collaboration in research, academic exchange, and student mobility, reflecting UTM’s commitment to international engagement and sustainable development.
JOHOR BAHRU, Aug 22 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), through the Institute of Bioproduct Development (IBD), hosted a delegation from Cagayan State University (CSU), the Philippines, for the Exchange Program on Multidisciplinary and SDG-Oriented Research and Development, held from 16 to 22 August 2026 at UTM Johor Bahru.
The seven-day programme brought together five CSU academic staff and 18 students for activities focusing on multidisciplinary research, academic networking, hands-on learning, innovation, sustainability, community engagement and cultural exchange.
The CSU academic delegation comprised Dr. Quirino G. Pascua, Dr. Verlino D. Baddu, Dr. John Carlo L. Banan, Dr. Joemel M. Estabillo and Stanley B. Follante, who contributed through research sharing, academic discussions and engagement with the UTM community.
The program commenced with a Research Sharing entitled “Advancing Multidisciplinary Research for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”, featuring Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Rosnani Hasham @ Hisam, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norahim Ibrahim, Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd Fadhil Md Din and Prof. Dr. Azila Abdul Aziz as speakers.
The Opening Ceremony was officiated by UTM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim, alongside remarks by the Director of IBD, Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Rosnani Hasham @ Hisam, and Dean of the College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, CSU, Dr. Quirino G. Pascua.
The academic exchange continued through faculty research networking, laboratory visits and the CSU Research Showcase and Academic Knowledge Exchange. Representatives from the Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering (FKT), Faculty of Science, Faculty of Educational Science and Technology (FEST) and Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH) also participated in discussions on research interests and potential collaboration.
A key component was the SDG Innovation Challenge, where the 18 students formed five multidisciplinary groups based on IBD research themes: Herbal and Phytochemicals, Biomass and Biomaterials, Microbial Processing, Cosmeceuticals and Aromatherapy and Food and Nutraceuticals. Through hands-on activities and guidance from IBD researchers, staff, students and mentors, the groups developed SDG-oriented project proposals, which were presented for evaluation on 21 August 2026.
Beyond academic activities, the delegation visited Kraf Hibiscus, UTM Agro Tani and Raja Zarith Sofiah Library (PRZS) UTM, and participated in a community-based ecotourism and boat tour at Kampung Sungai Melayu before visiting Yayasan Warisan Johor. These activities provided exposure to sustainability, community development and Johor’s cultural heritage.
The programme culminated with the Closing Ceremony and Appreciation Dinner on 21 August 2026 at the Banquet Hall, Sultan Ibrahim Chancellery Building (BCSI), UTM Johor Bahru, featuring remarks by representatives from both universities, cultural performances, the SDG Innovation Challenge Award Presentation, exchange of mementos and a group photo session.
FKT Deputy Dean (Research, Innovation & Development), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hasrinah Hasbullah delivered the closing remarks, while Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Rosnani Hasham @ Hisam and Dr. Quirino G. Pascua also addressed the guests.
