The Faculty of Agricultural Technology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FTP UGM) and the Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) strengthened their academic collaboration through the UPM ASEAN Cultural Exchange–Indonesia Programme, held on Jul. 27–28. The program brought together 14 students from UPM and 14 from FTP UGM to broaden their academic perspectives, enhance cross-cultural communication skills, and strengthen student networks across the ASEAN region. The initiative also marked the beginning of exploratory collaboration between the Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences at UPM and FTP UGM, particularly the Department of Food and Agricultural Product Technology.
The Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs at FTP UGM, Professor Yudi Pranoto, said the program gives students the opportunity to learn from cultural diversity while building international networks. He said interacting with students from other countries equips participants with essential skills for an increasingly interconnected world.
“ASEAN is built on diversity and mutual respect. Through programs like this, students can learn from one another, gain a deeper understanding of different cultures, and develop the cross-cultural competencies needed in the global era,” he said during the program’s opening ceremony.
During the program, UPM students were introduced to FTP UGM’s academic environment through faculty presentations, student activity showcases, and laboratory visits. These activities provided an overview of the faculty’s educational and research facilities while creating opportunities to exchange learning experiences between the two universities. The interactions are expected to lay the foundation for broader collaboration in education, research, and student exchange.
The cross-cultural experience continued with a visit to Pentingsari Tourism Village in Sleman. There, students from UPM and UGM learned to play gamelan, create traditional batik, and perform classical Yogyakarta dance in line with established traditions. These activities gave participants the opportunity to experience Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage firsthand while strengthening interactions among students from both countries.
UPM student Norhaikal Bin Norhaizad said the program was a memorable experience because it allowed him to get to know UGM students more closely.
“The collaboration program between UPM and UGM has been truly enjoyable. We’ve had the opportunity to build friendships with UGM students. If I had to describe this program in one word, I would say it is extraordinary,” he said.
Similarly, Nor Syameel Azraie Bin Nor Ezlie Azram shared that he learned a great deal about Indonesian culture, from gamelan and local cuisine to the hospitality of its people. Meanwhile, Nur Irdina Rauqah Binti Nasrun said her first visit to Yogyakarta exceeded all her expectations.
“Everything about Yogyakarta has been impressive, from the food and the environment to the warmth of the people. I truly enjoyed this program,” she said.
Through the UPM ASEAN Cultural Exchange–Indonesia Programme, FTP UGM continues to strengthen its commitment to internationalizing higher education by providing learning experiences that integrate academic and cultural dimensions. The program is expected to serve as the foundation for broader collaboration between FTP UGM and UPM in education, research, and student mobility.
As partnerships among universities across the ASEAN region continue to grow, students are expected to develop a global perspective while deepening their appreciation for cultural diversity.
Reporter: FTP UGM Public Relations
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-Editor: Priyanandaningrat