Mataram, Universitas Mataram – On Friday, February 28, 2025, the University of Mataram (Unram) received a visit from lecturers and students from Central Queensland University (CQU) in the New Colombo Plan program and discussion of potential academic and research collaboration between the two institutions at the Rector’s Conference Room, Unram Rectorate. This visit is a follow-up to the initiation of cooperation that has been conducted at the end of 2024 in Rockhampton, Australia.

Unram Rector, Prof. Ir. Bambang Hari Kusumo, M.Agr.St., Ph.D., warmly welcomed the arrival of the CQU delegation. “Welcome to Unram, I hope you enjoy this visit. We can learn from each other, and share knowledge, we can do joint teaching. In addition, cultural exchange is also an important aspect of this cooperation. Although we are close neighbors, our cultures are so much different, so this is a good opportunity to know more about each other. We are very proud of this visit,” said Prof. Bambang.

Associate Professor Karen Jean Harper, Ph.D., from CQU expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to collaborate with Unram. “We designed this visit so that students can get valuable experiences that they can remember when they return home. This is a special opportunity to bring students to Unram and learn a lot of new things here,” she said.

Associate Professor Karen Harper added that she has worked closely with Prof. Dahlanuddin from the Faculty of Animal Science at Unram for a long time and hopes that this partnership will grow in the future. “We will continue to collaborate with Unram in various academic and research aspects,” she added.

In this discussion, CQU highlighted their focus on improving the quality of education, student experience, as well as engagement in the community and industry. CQU is also open to various collaboration opportunities, including cultural exchanges and increasing the number of international students at both universities.

One of the key areas covered in the discussion was joint research opportunities in improving the supply and quality of Bali beef through the formulation of feedlot/fattening rations. This program aims to increase the income of Balinese cattle farmers as well as beef production regionally and nationally.

Some of the aspects that are the focus of research include a better understanding of the Bali beef value chain, improving meat quality through fattening feed formulation, especially related to meat marbling characteristics, and post-slaughter techniques to improve meat quality and standardization.

In addition to animal science, the discussion also opened up opportunities for cooperation in engineering, health, and food science and other fields. CQU emphasized its commitment to collaborate globally so that both universities can support each other in increasing the number of international students and strengthening academic networks.

The CQU delegation that attended this visit included Associate Professor Karen Jean Harper, Ph.D., Saba Sinai-Mameghany, and seven students including Kymberley Clowie Teelow, Megen Cate Ingram, Mya Rosemary Kidd, Madleline Charlotte Price, Tina Louise Vale, Tyler Morgan Aspinall, and Holli Ann Arthur.

Through this collaboration, Unram and CQU hope to strengthen academic and research synergies that have a real impact on the development of science. With the spirit of collaboration, both universities are optimistic that they can create innovations that benefit not only the academic world, but also the wider community.