JAKARTA, May 20 – As part of the Hi-Tech F4 Program (Materials), a delegation from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Syafiqah Saidin embarked on a research mission to Indonesia, visiting four of the country’s premier research institutions at Jakarta—IPB University, Universitas Indonesia (UI), Universitas Negeri Jakarta (UNJ), and Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (BRIN)—to map the on-going research plan and to explore ideal collaborative opportunities in biodegradable implant materials and advanced materials science. The visit involved Program in-team, experts in biomaterials and materials science including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ezza Syuhada Sazali, Dr. Mohd Zamri Mohd Yusop, and Ir. Ts. Dr. Muhammad Hanif Ramlee.
Hi-Tech F4 Program (Materials) is one of the primary four corporate strategic pillars, initiated by the Department of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research & Innovation) to advance lead globally four niche research areas—water, energy, robot, and materials. The Hi-Tech F4 Program (Materials)—Advanced Materials for Biodegradable Implant with Osseocompatibility Properties—is specifically designed on the basis idea of ‘temporary implant replacement’ to replace the usage of permanent implant restoration and to avoid multiple implants surgeries. The novelty development of advanced materials for biodegradable implant with osseocompatibilty properties is primarily aimed to provide a conducive bone healing and regeneration without traces of foreign inflammatory products.
In-depth Scientific Collaboration with IPB University
The visit began at IPB University, marking a significant milestone in the Hi-Tech F4 Program (Materials) through a pre-clinical in-vivo study on the biodegradable implant materials, developed by UTM researchers. The research visit was warmly hosted by Dr. Fakhrul Ulum, Deputy Director of the Directorate of Strategic Studies and Academic Reputation (DKaSRA). Dr. Fakhrul is responsible to facilitate the pre-clinical test in a sheep animal model, marking a critical step forward in the F4 Program. A mutual understanding between both institutions, IPB and UTM, is based on the generation of Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), high-impact journal publication, student mobility and joint-supervision.
A full-tight agenda at IPB included a courtesy meeting with the Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (SVMBS)—Dr. drh. Amrozi, a Guest Lecture by Ir. Ts. Dr. Muhammad Hanif on the title ‘Research in Orthopaedics Implants and Assistive Device’, a research tour to the university’s animal housing and facilities, and a publication workshop entitled ‘Mastering Publication in High-impact Journals: Proven Strategies and Insights for Achieving Publication Success’ delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Syafiqah Saidin. The team also was engaged in an honour meeting with the IPB’s Vice Rector, Prof. Deni Noviana, who showcased the commercial-ready IPB research products. The delegation was particularly impressed by IPB’s forward-thinking approach to research commercialisation, exemplified by its ownership of three retail mall outlets dedicated to market its innovations.
Collaborative Engagements at UI and UNJ
The next leg of the visit brought the UTM delegation to the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Indonesia. Welcomed by the Dean of FMIPA, Prof. Dr. Dede Juhana, the delegation participated in a Guest Lecture by Dr. Mohd Zamri Mohd Yusop on the title ‘Sample Preparation for Electron Microscope’ and toured various research facilities at FMIPA and Integrated Laboratory Research Centre (ILRC). The team was inspired by UI’s joint venture laboratories, which operate in collaboration with Merck and Daewoong Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., providing high-end research environments for chemical and pharmaceutical studies. Continued outreach efforts with a Guest Lecture ‘Basic Theory of X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Its Application in Advanced Materials Research’ by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ezza Syuhada Sazali at FMIPA, UNJ. The visit was welcomed well by the Dean of FMIPA, Dr. Hadi Nasbey.
Collaboration Dialogue with BRIN
The final research expansion was held at the Research Centre for Polymer Technology, BRIN, which is located at Serpong. The UTM delegation was received by Dr. Joddy Arya Laksmono—Head of the Research Centre—engaged in detailed discussion regarding potential mobility programs and joint-grant opportunities. The existing MoU between UTM and BRIN has opened a wide range of mobility and supervision, particularly one member of the Research Centres is pursuing remotely his Master Degree at UTM and one UTM master student is sponsored by BRIN for one-year research attachment at similar platform point. BRIN represents a treasure trove of advanced instrumentations, offering an unparalleled range of characterization and performance testing tools—truly a “heaven” for researchers in the field.
The research visit successfully laid a strong foundation for sustained academic and scientific collaboration between UTM and Indonesia’s foremost research institutions. Each engagement uncovered complementary expertise and shared research interests in the field of biodegradable implant materials. The groundwork established during these visits not only reinforces regional research integration but also opens avenues for long-term partnerships in joint supervision, student and staff mobility, co-authored publications, and shared access to world-class research facilities. With mutual aspirations toward innovation, impact, and commercialisation, the Hi-Tech F4 Program (Materials) stands poised to drive transformative advancements in biomedical materials across Southeast Asia and beyond.
