By Nova Elisa Aderly, Natalie Christy Puan Rachnyputri, Firdausiya Najaliyya, Arinda Melina Putri, Kevin Reynaldy Henryansyah, Cahya Rexha Giga, and Yusuf Firmansyah

Students of Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia. 

Participating in an internship mobility program is one of the best ways to explore new opportunities, meet new people, and gain invaluable experiences. As students from Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia, we were fortunate to spend a month at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). This journey was filled with exciting adventures, hands-on learning, and unforgettable moments that made this trip so special.

Our journey began on November 11, 2024, when we arrived in Malaysia. UPM’s welcoming team made us feel at home right away. After settling into our dormitories,  we couldn’t wait to dive into the program. The next day, we started with a laboratory tour at the Institute of Bioscience (IBS), where the amazing facilitator introduced us to the facilities, program schedule, and what to expect during our stay.

The academic segment of our program began with a captivating lecture on Malaysian seaweed. It wasn’t just about absorbing knowledge in a classroom; we got hands-on experience in the lab, learning to prepare media like TSA (Tryptone Soy Agar) and TCBS (Thiosulfate Citrate Bile Salts Sucrose). Guided by patient and skilled supervisors, these sessions made us feel like real scientists, working on something meaningful.  

One of the highlights of the programme was our trip to Blue Lagoon Beach in Port Dickson. It wasn’t just a day to enjoy the sun and sea; we also collected seaweed samples for our research. Back in the lab, we analysed the samples, testing parameters like water and ash content. These practical tasks added an engaging, fun element to our learning process.

The program also introduced us to seaweed’s antimicrobial properties. Sounds fancy, right? We explored how seaweed could combat harmful bacteria such as Vibrio and Aeromonas. From extracting seaweed active compounds with ethanol to testing them on specially prepared media, every step was an exciting discovery. The best part? Witnessing tangible results from our hard work. 

We also delved into phytochemical screening, a fascinating technique to identify bioactive compounds in seaweed, including terpenoids and flavonoids. With advanced tools like Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), we felt like detectives uncovering nature’s hidden secrets.

As the program drew to a close, we presented our findings to the supervisor and fellow participants. It was an awesome moment to see how much we had learned and achieved as a group. The farewell party on December 6, 2024, was a bittersweet ending. While it was hard to say goodbye, we were so grateful for the amazing memories and experiences in IBS.

This program wasn’t just about academics- it was a life-changing experience. We combined theoretical learning with real-world applications, made new friends, and discovered more about ourselves along the way. The programme also enriched our cross-cultural collaboration skills and taught us how to adapt to a multicultural environment. Working with people from different backgrounds and perspectives underscored the value of diversity in achieving shared goals.  

We learned that stepping out of our comfort zones opens doors to new opportunities and perspectives. Our time at UPM wasn’t just another chapter in our education; it was a transformative journey we’ll cherish forever. If you ever have a chance to join in a program like this, take it. You’ll not only grow academically but also create memories and connections that will last a lifetime.

Lastly we sincerely thank Prof. Dr. Ina Salwany, Mr. Farhan Nazarudin, Mr. Salahudin, Mr. Chin, Prof. Zunita, Miss Aina, Mr. Amir, and Dr. Azzam for all their help and guidance. They made this experience so much better by sharing their knowledge and supporting us in every step along the way. We have learned so much, formed meaningful connections, and we are deeply grateful for that!

Date of Input: 31/01/2025 | Updated: 31/01/2025 | azah