UNIB Biology Department Hosts Visiting Professor QS100 University Malaya
Malaysia

Bengkulu University- December 2024

The Bengkulu University hosted a special visit from a Professor from the University of Malaya (UM) in order to establish academic cooperation with the Department of Biology, Bengkulu University. The Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), proudly received a special visit from Prof. Dr Mohamad Suffian Bin Mohamad Annuar from the University of Malaya (UM) later this year. The visit, which took place from December 17 to 20, 2024, was part of an effort to strengthen academic cooperation between the Department of Biology at Bengkulu Campus and one of the best universities in Southeast Asia that is included in the QS100.

This visit is an important momentum for Bengkulu University which is currently trying to improve its competitive edge at the international level, especially through collaboration with universities that are included in the QS100 ranks. The presence of Prof. Dr Mohamad Suffian Bin Mohamad Annuar was welcomed by the Head of the Department of Biology, Dr Sipriyadi, S.Si, M.Si, the Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Prof. Dr Sal Prima Yudha S. and the Vice Deans, Prof. Dr Morina Adfa and Prof. Dr Arif Ismul Hadi. A series of activities were designed to take place to capitalize on the Professor’s presence, including Public Lectures, Sharing Session, Field Trips, and Visiting Laboratory.

GENERAL LECTURE

The first activity, a public lecture titled “PHA Bioplastics: Waking the Sleeping Giant”, was held on December 17, 2024. This event took place in the Meeting Room of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and was attended by more than 100 participants, consisting of undergraduate and graduate students of the Department of Biology, lecturers, and faculty leaders. The public lecture was opened officially by the Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, and attended by the Vice Dean. In his presentation, Professor explained the great potential of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) as an environmentally friendly future bioplastic solution. This in-depth and interactive explanation received tremendous enthusiasm from the participants, reflected in the active question and answer session.

SHARING SESSION

On December 18, 2024, the activity continued with discussions and sharing experiences related to lectures and curriculum at University Malaya. This session was attended by Biology lecturers at Bengkulu University who discussed the rhythm of lectures at UM, research collaboration between institutions and information on scholarships for S2 and S3 lectures at the Faculty of Sciences University Malaya and special S3 scholarships (excelent scholarship). The experience shared by Prof. Suffian also provides relevant insights, namely the cost of living in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia and educational opportunities at UM for overseas students. 

FIELD TRIP

Activities on the third day, December 19, 2024, field trip together with brought Prof. Suffian and his wife together with a team of Biology Department Lecturers to the Amorphophallus and Rafflesia Conservation Areas at the Rare Puspa Conservation Park in Taba Penanjung, Central Bengkulu. This field trip aims to introduce endemic flora which is one of Bengkulu’s pride, as well as visiting the Kabawetan Tea Garden Tourism Park. Prof. Suffian gave high appreciation to the conservation efforts made.

VISITING LABORATORY

On the last day, December 20, 2024, Prof. Suffian participated in the thesis session of Biology Master students and visited the Biology Laboratory. During the laboratory visit, Prof. Suffian discussed the latest research methods and shared experiences related to the sundries of research and research for S2 and S3 Biology. The Professor emphasized the importance of establishing good communication between students and supervisors. 

Discusion together Professor Suffian at Zoology Laboratory Basic Science

This series of visits not only deepened the relationship between institutions, but also became an important momentum for the development of academic capacity in the Department of Biology, Bengkulu University. It is hoped that with the success of this event, the collaboration will be able to produce innovations and real contributions in the field of Research and Community Service, both at the national and international levels.