The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), has strengthened its international network through the signing of a Letter of Intent (LoI) with the Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR), Universiti Malaya, Malaysia, on 4 June 2026. This collaboration marks an initial step toward developing academic and research partnerships between the two institutions through a shared commitment to exploring opportunities in education, research, and human resource development.
The LoI was signed on behalf of the Faculty of Biology UGM by Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, and by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tan Boon Chin, Director of CEBAR Universiti Malaya. The signing ceremony was also attended by Dr. Lau Su Ee, Executive Director of UM Agroforestry, and Dr. Chua Kah Ooi, Head of Academic Programmes at the Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR). This agreement reflects the commitment of both institutions to strengthening collaboration in education, research, innovation, and academic capacity development through a mutually beneficial partnership.
During the exploratory meeting and LoI signing ceremony, the Faculty of Biology UGM was represented by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs; Prof. Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc., Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs; and Dr. Slamet Widiyanto, S.Si., M.Sc., Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources. The meeting served as an important milestone in opening broader opportunities for collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and CEBAR Universiti Malaya, particularly in biotechnology, genomics, agriculture, and the development of advanced research technologies.
Through this LoI, both institutions agreed to explore various forms of collaboration, including the exchange of students, faculty members, and researchers; collaborative research and scientific publications; the organization of seminars, conferences, symposia, and summer courses; academic staff exchanges as visiting lecturers; adjunct professorship appointments; and the exchange of academic information and resources. These initiatives are expected to strengthen institutional capacity while enhancing the quality of education and research at both institutions.
The collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and CEBAR Universiti Malaya is also one of the outcomes of the Joint Supervision Phase 2 Equity Scheme 2026, under the research project entitled “Genome Characterization and Functional Gene Analysis of Indonesian Commercial Sugarcane (Saccharum hybrid) Based on Whole Genome Sequencing to Support National Sugar Self-Sufficiency.” The project is being carried out by Master’s students of the Faculty of Biology UGM, namely Tiara Putria Judith, S.Si., Sabrina Labista Wibowo, S.Si., and Oliv Nurul Kanaya, S.Si., under the supervision of Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D.
This partnership is aligned with both institutions’ commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through strengthening educational capacity and international academic exchange; SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through research and innovation aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and supporting national sugar self-sufficiency; SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through the application of genomics and biotechnology in research; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through strengthening strategic international collaboration among higher education institutions. This partnership is expected to make a meaningful contribution to scientific advancement, food security, and sustainable development in Indonesia and beyond.
