Collaboration between UM and UTM to Attain SDGs Points 4 and 17 Through Guest Lectures and Co-Teaching

On Monday and Tuesday, April 29^th and 30^th, 2024, the Biotechnology Study Program, Universitas Negeri Malang (UM) welcomed a internationally renowned lecturer, Assoc. Prof. Roswanira Abdul Wahab, Ph.D., from the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). Prof. Roswanira, who is also an adjunct professor in UM’s Biotechnology Study Program, returned to Malang to engage in co-teaching activities as part of the World Class University agenda for 2024. On this occasion, Prof. Roswanira delivered a lecture on Aromatic Compounds, covering nomenclature, properties, and reactions, for the second-semester students of UM’s Biotechnology Study Program.

One of the objectives of this collaboration is to provide students with exposure to an international learning environment through the use of English as the medium of instruction. This is crucial because in the academic year 2024/2025, the Biotechnology Study Program will be opening international classes for new students. This activity can be used as a baseline for the readiness of the Biotechnology Study Program to conduct international classes, as it has been proven that the teaching of Functional Group Chemistry in English by Prof. Roswanira is well-received and enthusiastically embraced by the students.

Furthermore, this activity also contributes to achieving SDGs point 4 regarding quality education and point 17 regarding international partnerships. With the presence of guest lectures like this, it is hoped that students can better understand the importance of mastering foreign languages to compete globally and enhance opportunities for obtaining high-quality international education. On the other hand, the international partnership established by UM and UTM, particularly by UM’s Biotechnology Study Program and UTM’s Department of Chemistry, can enhance collaboration in the fields of education, research, and community service to achieve global goals.