Short Exchange Program Collaboration between Faculty of Agriculture Universitas Singaperbangsa Karawang and Mahidol University Kanchanaburi Campus, Thailand

The Faculty of Agriculture at Universitas Singaperbangsa Karawang is pleased to announce the commencement of a collaborative short course with renowned institutions aimed at advancing agricultural practices and promoting sustainable development. The program, scheduled from July 28 to August 3, 2024, features a series of lectures, hands-on training sessions, and cultural exchanges. The theme of the short course is “Nurturing Biodiversity Through Sustainable Agriculture.” This program includes participation from 8 students from the Faculty of Agriculture at Unsika and 7 students from Mahidol University Kanchanaburi Campus (MUKA). It has been designed by the Faculty of Agriculture in collaboration with MUKA.

The first phase of the exchange program was held from May 12 to 18, 2024, and now we are beginning the second phase of the short exchange program. Representatives from Unsika during the first phase included Prof. Dr. Sulistyo Sidik Purnomo, Dr. Elia Azizah, Darso Sugiono M.P., Nurcahyo W. Saputro, M.Sc., and Lutfi Afifah, M.Si. Representatives from MUKA included Weerachon Sawangproh, Ph.D., and Paiphan Paejaroen, M.Phil., from the Conservation Biology department.

Participant that has been joined from MUKA and Unsika : Siriyakorn Yaovarat, Sarocha Suwankhadi, Sasiwimon Boonmak Thanathorn Janboonlab, Norawish Bhusudsawang, Manida Suriyaphen, Chotiphat Pluemchitamorn, Leony Allamanda Yonida, Muhammad Arief Syaifullah, Hanifa Khansa Sabrina, Anita Dewi, Abriel Zildan Al Fajri, Aung Thu Zin, Lintang Cahya Bekti, Shofiyyah Marwa Nabila.

Day 1: Arrival On July 28, 2024, participants arrived at Soekarno Hatta International Airport, followed by a transfer to Front One Akshaya Hotel in Karawang. The day concluded with a welcoming dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Campus Engagement and Lectures Participants began their day with a campus tour of Unsika's main campus, followed by a registration session. The academic schedule included insightful lectures on topics such as Spider Biodiversity by Dr. Siti Latifatus Siriyah, Soil Microbiology by Dr. Vera Soebardja, and Maize Breeding by Dr. Mohammad Syafii. Participants also gained insights about Karawang from Nurcahyo W. Saputro, M.Sc. The day featured an opening ceremony with speeches from esteemed university officials, Prof. Dr. Ade Maman Suherman, SH., M.Sc., and Prof. Dr. Sulistyo Sidik Purnomo, as well as a video presentation showcasing MUKA and Unsika. In the afternoon session they gained knowledge about how produce biological agents Beauveria bassiana and how to Identify Plant Disease using Plantix App.

Day 3: Practical Sessions and Field Visits The third day involved practical sessions on biological agents at Campus 2, including the observation of water biota and the production of granulated organic fertilizer. In the afternoon, participants engaged with local farmers in Lemahabang, Karawang, to learn about the application of biological agents such as Trichogramma and Tyto alba in the field. The day concluded with a bird-watching activity and practical demonstrations on how spraying Paenibacillus polymyxa in the field.

Day 4: Visit to Bandung Participants traveled to Bandung for a comprehensive coffee processing experience, including visits to coffee farms and processing facilities. The cultural highlight of the day was an Angklung Udjo performance, followed by an overnight stay at Belviu Hotel Bandung.

Day 5: Cultural and Historical Exploration The fifth day included a guided tour of Bandung’s historical sites such as the Asia Africa Conference Museum and the Geology Museum, providing participants with a deeper understanding of Indonesia's rich cultural heritage.

Day 6: Wrap-up Activities and Presentations The final day of structured activities focused on group work and presentations, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among participants. The evening featured a closing ceremony, including reflections, video playback, certificate awarding, and cultural performances by students from MUKA and Unsika.L

Day 7: Departure Participants concluded their enriching experience with breakfast and a return transfer to Soekarno Hatta International Airport. This collaborative short course underscores Unsika’s commitment to advancing agricultural education and fostering international cooperation. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants, speakers, and organizers for their contributions to this event's success.

Contact: Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Singaperbangsa Karawang