Mataram, University of Mataram — A group of students from the Faculty of Food Technology and Agroindustry (Fatepa), University of Mataram (Unram), comprising four students from the Food Science and Technology Study Program and three from the Agricultural Engineering Study Program, visited Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), one of Malaysia’s leading public universities. The visit, held from October 28 to 30, aimed to prepare students for broader opportunities in the international arena by developing their English proficiency, practical skills, and cross-cultural communication abilities.

This objective was reflected in the contributions and participation of Food Science and Technology students Lale Ana Minnatussoleha, Kaka Arisna Saqi, and Inayatur Rahma, as well as Agricultural Engineering students Muhammad Ridha Al Fath, Aurayya Klarisa Maharani, Muhammad Erdiansyah, and Nurul Aulia Novianti. They took part in various activities agreed upon by Fatepa’s collaboration team and representatives of UPM’s Faculty of Engineering.

On the first day, Fatepa students joined Malaysian students and several international students in a public lecture entitled “Industry Talk,” delivered by representatives of BERNAS (Padiberas Nasional Berhad), Malaysia. During the session, which was conducted in English, BERNAS industry practitioners discussed the challenges, prospects, and potential of Malaysia’s rice sector, from upstream production to downstream distribution. Effective management has helped Malaysia maintain the second-lowest rice prices in Southeast Asia, with prices remaining stable over the past 15 years at RM2.6 (approximately Rp11,800) per kilogram.

The seven Fatepa students also gained further international exposure by participating in discussions on potential collaboration between Fatepa representatives—Dr. Eng. Sukmawaty, Prof. Baiq Rien Handayani, and Endang Purnama Dewi, S.T.P., M.Si.—and Prof. Rosnah and her team from UPM’s Faculty of Engineering. The discussions resulted in several potential collaborative initiatives for 2027. One of the proposed initiatives is a visit by UPM through an inbound student mobility program, accompanied by a UPM guest lecturer, scheduled for May–June 2027. The first day concluded with visits to several laboratories managed by the Department of Engineering, providing students with an opportunity to learn about laboratory equipment and research practices at a university that places research at the heart of its development.

On the second day, the students gained further international exposure through research proposal presentations delivered by all seven Fatepa students. The activity aimed to explore their potential while developing their critical thinking skills and ability to communicate ideas effectively in an international academic setting. The presenters included not only seventh-semester students nearing the completion of their studies but also fourth-semester students. This mix of academic levels was intended to facilitate knowledge transfer between student cohorts and provide students with early opportunities to explore further study prospects.

Thus, the student mobility program benefits not only the participating students but also strengthens the collaboration between Fatepa Unram and the Faculty of Engineering at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).