International Short Program on Functional Materials and Sustainability Strengthens International Academic Collaboration

The International Short Program on Functional Materials and Sustainability was successfully held from 17 to 23 August 2026 at the Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), Surabaya, Indonesia. The programme brought together academics, researchers, and students from international institutions to share knowledge, research experiences, and recent developments in the fields of functional materials and sustainability.

The delegation from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) was led by Dr. Wan Nurfadhilah Zaharim, with Dr. Wan Nur Aini serving as the co-adviser. The programme involved five Guest Lecturers, 11 Lecturers/Researchers, and 12 Students, providing participants with opportunities to engage in academic presentations, knowledge sharing, and discussions on research and applications related to functional materials and sustainability.

In addition to the academic sessions, participants had the opportunity to visit a Badan Usaha Milik Desa (BUMDes), where they gained first-hand exposure to how research and innovation can be applied and utilised within local communities. The visit provided valuable insights into the connection between academic research, local needs, and community development. Participants also had the opportunity to explore the history, culture, and heritage of Surabaya as part of the programme’s cross-cultural learning experience.

The programme served as an important platform for strengthening international academic networks through knowledge exchange, collaborative discussions, and interactions among lecturers, researchers, and students from different backgrounds. These engagements also created opportunities to explore potential collaborations in research, education, and innovation in the future.

The programme was supported by ITS Grant No. 113/IT2/T/HK.00.01/IV/2026. We would like to express its sincere appreciation to Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) for its generous support in making the programme possible. Special appreciation is extended to the ITS organising committee and the support team for their excellent coordination, hospitality, and dedication throughout the programme. Heartfelt thanks are also extended to the Department of Physics, ITS, for its valuable support and contribution to the successful implementation of the programme. The warm hospitality and cooperation extended by the hosts greatly enriched the experience of all participants.

The successful implementation of the programme reflects the strong commitment of the participating institutions towards strengthening international academic collaboration and providing students and academic staff with meaningful opportunities to engage in an international learning, research, and cross-cultural environment.