Learning to play the gamelan, trying making batik, and performing classical Yogyakarta dance became unforgettable experiences for students from the Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), during the UPM ASEAN Cultural Exchange – Indonesia Programme, held jointly with the Faculty of Agricultural Technology (FTP), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), on July 27–28, 2026, in Yogyakarta. The programme brought together 14 UPM students from the Student’s Associations of the Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UPM, and 14 FTP UGM students for an academic and cultural exchange aimed at broadening participants understanding of higher education systems, strengthening cross-cultural communication skills, and deepening friendships among students across the ASEAN region.
The programme, accompanied by Dr. Fairolniza Mohd Shariff and Mrs. Nurul Hidayah Samadi from UPM, also marked an initial step toward establishing cooperation between UPM’s Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences and FTP UGM, particularly the Department of Food Technology and Agricultural Products at FTP UGM. Through a series of academic and cultural activities, students from both universities were given the opportunity to exchange experiences while building international networks.
On the occasion, Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. Yudi Pranoto, S.T.P., M.P., said the programme reflected both institutions’ commitment to strengthening academic collaboration and inter-university relations across the ASEAN region. According to him, the activity gave students a space to develop the cross-cultural competencies that are increasingly needed in today’s global era.
“ASEAN is more than a regional organization, it is a community built upon diversity, mutual respect, and shared aspirations. Through programmes such as this, we create opportunities for our young generation to appreciate different cultures, learn from one another, and develop the intercultural competencies that are essential in today’s interconnected world,” he said.
The participants’ enthusiasm was evident in the impressions they shared after taking part in the programme’s activities. One UPM student, Norhaikal Bin Norhaizad (Haikal), said the programme was a highly memorable experience, as it gave him the opportunity to meet and build friendships with UGM students.
“It is a very fun programme between UPM and UGM. We can make friends with the UGM students. If I could describe this programme in one word, I would say it is an amazing programme,” he said.
For Nor Syameel Azraie Bin Nor Ezlie Azram (Syameel), getting to know Indonesian culture was the most memorable part of the programme.
“I learned a lot about Indonesian culture, especially the gamelan, the food, and the people. If I had to describe this programme in one word, it would be fun,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nur Irdina Rauqah Binti Nasrun (Dina) said her first visit to Yogyakarta exceeded her expectations.
“Everything is just fantastic about Jogja, the food, the environment, and also the people. I really enjoyed this programme,” she said.
In addition to introductory sessions and presentations on university profiles and student activities, UPM students were also taken on a tour of laboratories at FTP UGM to learn about the faculty’s teaching and research facilities. The interaction offered a chance to exchange experiences about academic life at both universities while opening up opportunities for future collaboration.
The cross-cultural experience continued with a visit to Pentingsari Tourism Village, Sleman. There, students from both universities learned to play the gamelan, tried their hand at batik-making, and studied classical Yogyakarta dance according to its traditional forms.
Through the UPM ASEAN Cultural Exchange – Indonesia Programme, FTP UGM continues to strengthen its commitment to supporting the internationalization of higher education through learning experiences that integrate academics and culture. The programme is expected to be the beginning of broader collaboration between FTP UGM and UPM spanning education, research, and student mobility helping to produce graduates with both a global perspective and an appreciation for cultural diversity.
This activity supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, through the strengthening of international learning experiences; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, through improved cross-cultural understanding; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through strengthened collaboration among universities across the ASEAN region.
Contributor: Bernadetta Shella
The next agenda was lunch break until 13.00. After that, the participants prepared themselves for the closing ceremony and country performance. Around 15.00 all participants gather in FAT Convention Hall to attend the closing ceremony including Dean of Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Prof. Dr. Eni Harmayani, representative of Directorate of Partnerships and Global Relations UGM, Dr. Wiratni, Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. Yudi Pranoto, Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, Human Resources, and Information System, Prof. Dr. Kuncoro Harto Widodo, Vice Dean for Research, Community Services, Cooperation, and Alumni, Dr. Sri Rahayoe, chairman of the 6