KUCHING: The Faculty of Engineering and Science at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) recently hosted two visiting researchers from Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) in Surabaya, Indonesia, Anisa Ratnasari and Isti Faizati, on a collaborative research programme between Curtin Malaysia and ITS, a leading university in the field of science and technology in Indonesia.
In a statement issued yesterday, Curtin University Malaysia said this collaborative research venture from Nov 13 to Dec 7, 2023, conducted under the guidance of Assoc Prof Tony Hadibarata, who is coordinator of the Master of Sustainable Aquaculture Programme at the Faculty of Engineering and Science of Curtin Malaysia, involved an intensive exploration of topics related to microplastic contamination in aquatic environments and the isolation of microorganisms capable of degrading organic pollutants.
Hadibarata expressed his enthusiasm for the programme, stating that the collaboration with ITS and the presence of Anisa and Isti had been a very meaningful and enriching experience.
“It exemplifies the importance of international partnerships in advancing scientific knowledge and addressing global challenges.
“We look forward to the dissemination of their findings through research articles and the submission of a research grant proposal to international funding bodies,” he added.
Anisa, in a similar press statement, remarked that working alongside the researchers and faculty members at Curtin Malaysia was an invaluable experience for her.
“This collaboration has enhanced our understanding of environmental issues, especially in Malaysia.
“We are excited about the potential impact of our research and look forward to sharing our findings with the global scientific community,” she said.
Beyond the confines of the laboratory, Anisa and Isti also participated in a knowledge transfer programme in collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering and Science for pupils at Sekolah Kebangsaan Kuala Baram 2.
“The programme taught the pupils practical, sustainable environmental solutions that could benefit their community such as rainwater harvesting and composting of various types of waste,” the statement read.
Isti added in the statement that the collaboration between ITS and Curtin Malaysia reflected the shared commitment of both institutions to advancing knowledge, fostering international collaboration and addressing real-world challenges.
“The outcomes of this programme are anticipated to have a lasting impact on both scientific understanding and community development, exemplifying the transformative potential of global research partnerships,” she said.
