Written by: Sarah Dini Binti Muhamad Din

Joining the 10th UC Graduate Forum 2025 at Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia, was a truly enriching experience. Held from 2 to 3 June 2025, the event carried the theme “Innovative Agriculture and Green Technologies for a Resilient Future,” bringing together graduate students from across Southeast Asia to share research, build networks, and explore sustainable agricultural innovations.

The forum began with an opening ceremony that featured speeches by the university’s rector and the Head of the UC Secretariat. Participants were introduced to the rich heritage of Malang through a cultural video and a traditional dance performance by the university dance club. The highlight of the morning was a keynote address by SEARCA Director Dr. Mercidita A. Sombilla, which offered valuable insights into UC’s support in advancing agricultural and environmental research within member universities.

Following this, participants joined parallel sessions based on several sub-themes: digitisation and AI for smart agroindustry, circular economy and sustainable resource management, climate-resilient agriculture and food security, and future food and functional ingredients. I presented under the sub-theme of circular economy and sustainable resource management, sharing my research titled “Effect of Additive Organisms in Food Composting on Soil Fertility, Nutrient Dynamics, and Plant Growth of Capsicum annuum L.” It was a delightful session where I had the chance to learn about related studies from other universities and exchange ideas on how future research can be expanded in this field.

In the evening, participants visited the Kayutangan Heritage Area, where we explored historic streets, admired traditional architecture, and sampled local food while purchasing souvenirs. The day ended with a gala dinner, offering a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow students and staff, enjoy local music, and celebrate the best presentation awards.

The second day of the forum brought two exciting field trips. At dawn, we traveled to Mount Bromo. Despite the cold weather, the breathtaking scenery and unique ecosystem left a lasting impression, reminding us of the importance of preserving natural resources in the face of climate change. Later, we visited the Atsiri Lab at Batu Love Garden, where we saw firsthand how academic research is applied in real-world settings, particularly in the extraction and commercialization of essential oils. It was inspiring to see how university-developed products such as hand sanitizers, detergents, and perfumes align with sustainable practices and support local entrepreneurship.

Overall, the forum successfully blended academic enrichment with cultural exposure and practical learning. It was an invaluable journey that strengthened my research perspective and deepened my aspirations in environmental sustainability.

The program was also very well-organized, with smooth logistics such as airport transfers provided for participants. If there is one suggestion I could offer, it would be to extend the program by an additional day. The schedule was quite packed, and having more time between sessions would give participants the chance to rest and reflect more fully on the experience.

The 10th UC Graduate Forum 2025 proved to be more than just a conference. It was a platform for collaboration, cultural exchange, and professional growth, which makes it an unforgettable experience that left every participant inspired to contribute to a greener, more resilient future.

Date of Input: 01/07/2025 | Updated: 28/08/2025 | nurulshabila