IPB University Students Conduct MBKM at NIT Wakayama College in Japan
Five outstanding students of IPB University from the Department of Marine Science and Technology (ITK) won a golden opportunity to improve their knowledge and skills through a research study program at the National Institute of Technology (KOSEN) Wakayama College (NITW), Japan.
The five students are Rizkyah Zahra Rani, Difa Awliya Husna, Muhammad Dani, Nabil Musy’ari, and Alfan Fadhila.
These students will join a dynamic research environment in Japan. They will collaborate with Japanese researchers to carry out various researches relevant to the marine field.
This opportunity will not only broaden their horizons about the latest research in the marine field, but also provide an opportunity to build an international network. This activity is part of the Freedom of Learning – Independence Campus (MBKM) program initiated by the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science (FPIK) IPB University with NITW, Japan.
The five students left for Japan in early December 2024 accompanied by Dr Beginer Subhan as the supervisor. Activities in Japan began with introductions, campus tours, laboratory analysis, and cultural visit activities.
At the time of introduction, IPB University students were welcomed by the rector, lecturers, and students of NITW.
“Thank you for coming to the National Institute of Technology, Wakayama College. We are very happy to collaborate with IPB University. Hopefully the knowledge you get while here can be utilized well and you can be successful in the future,” said Shimeon Inoue as Rector of NITW.
Prof (Assoc) of Molecular Biology, Dr Davin H.E Setiamarga as a lecturer also added, “This program is one of the collaborations of IPB University and NITW Japan. We are very happy that IPB University students can study at NITW Japan, especially at Molecular Biology for Biodiversity and Environmental Dynamics (MoBBED; Setiamarga Lab). Hopefully what has been obtained while in Japan can be implemented well.”
In the campus tour activity, IPB University students toured the campus and explained the study programs, study rooms, laboratories, places for sports, dormitories, cafeterias in Japan.
Furthermore, in lab analysis activities, students learn about DNA barcoding, starting from how to get samples, extraction, amplification, electrophoresis, sequencing, to making phylogenic trees as data representation.
In addition, during the MBKM students also visited Wakayama Castle and temples in Wakayama. This aims to introduce Japanese culture to IPB University students.
“I am very enthusiastic about this opportunity. I learned a lot about DNA barcoding. I also interacted with new friends in Japan. I hope the knowledge and experience I gained while in Japan can be applied in Indonesia,” said Rizkyah Zahra Rani, one of the students.
Alfan Fadhila, another IPB University student, admitted that collaboration and time discipline were the things that had the most impact on his learning mindset while in Japan.
“Learning in an environment that is relatively foreign to my mind is a challenge in itself. However, I am very grateful to have been part of this program and thank all parties involved from IPB University and NITW,” added Nabil Musy’ari.
For Muhammad Dani, although this program only lasted for two weeks, IPB University students did not only learn molecular DNA. They also had the opportunity to establish international relations and learn Japanese culture.
“I am very happy and enthusiastic about participating in this activity. This is a new experience for me and will be the most memorable experience. Thank you NITW for the knowledge and experience. Hopefully we can meet on another occasion,” added Difa Awliya Husna.
This research study program is one of IPB University’s efforts to encourage students to engage in international research activities. It is hoped that this program can improve the quality of IPB University graduates and contribute to the development of marine science and technology in Indonesia. (*/Rz) (IAAS/RUM)
