Yogyakarta, Indonesia – From February 10 to 14, 2025, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nazmi Mat Nawi, Head of the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), visited Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) as part of the Joint Supervision and Research Program 2024. This visit, funded by the Directorate of Partnerships and Global Relations at UGM, is a follow-up to a collaborative research proposal outlined in the joint supervision and research program, led by Ir. Andri Prima Nugroho, Ph.D., IPU., ASEAN Eng.
During his visit, Dr. Nazmi held a series of meetings with the Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Prof. Eni Harmayani, M.Sc. In this meeting, they discussed the continuation of international cooperation between UGM and UPM, which is essential for addressing the strategic research challenges currently faced in Indonesia and Malaysia.
The next meeting was with the Head of the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Prof. Dr. Ir. Lilik Sutiarso, M.Eng., and Dr. Andri Prima Nugroho, focusing on the potential for future research collaboration. Discussions centered on several key areas, including climate-smart agriculture, risk management for food security, and the application of digital technology in oil palm plantation management.
The highlight of this visit was a guest lecture delivered by Assoc. Prof. Nazmi to UGM’s Agricultural Engineering students. The lecture addressed the application of Industry 4.0 in Malaysia’s agricultural sector, providing valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in modernizing agriculture.
This visit marks a significant step in strengthening the research partnership between UGM and UPM, paving the way for future joint projects and publications. This collaboration promises advancements in agricultural innovation and contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The discussions during the visit emphasized the importance of enhancing agricultural productivity through innovative research and technology. Both institutions recognized that addressing the challenges of food security and sustainable agriculture requires a collaborative approach that leverages expertise from both Malaysia and Indonesia.
Furthermore, the partnership aims to explore the integration of precision agriculture techniques, which can optimize resource use and increase crop yields. By sharing knowledge and resources, UGM and UPM are poised to make significant contributions to the agricultural sector in both countries.
As the world faces increasing pressures from climate change and population growth, the need for sustainable agricultural practices has never been more critical. The collaboration between UGM and UPM is a proactive step towards developing solutions that can enhance agricultural resilience and productivity.
In conclusion, the visit of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nazmi Mat Nawi to UGM not only strengthens the ties between the two universities but also sets the stage for impactful research that aligns with global sustainability goals. The commitment to working together in the field of agriculture will undoubtedly lead to innovative solutions that benefit both nations and contribute to a more sustainable future.
