Internship Program Strengthens Collaboration Between IPB University and Nong Lam University
Internship Program Strengthens Collaboration Between IPB University and Nong Lam University
Bogor, August 2026. The Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia, recently hosted an international internship program that reflects the growing academic collaboration between IPB University and Nong Lam University, Vietnam. From July 13 to August 8, 2026, Ms. Truong Thi Ngoc Châu, a third-year undergraduate student at Nong Lam University, joined the Laboratory of Plant Molecular Biotechnology-2 (PMB-2) for a structured internship program under the supervision of Dr. Sintho Wahyuning Ardie.
Ms. Châu’s internship focused on the topic Plant Genetic Diversity Assessment using Start Codon Targeted Molecular Markers. Throughout the program, she engaged in a series of hands-on activities, including plant DNA isolation techniques, PCR amplification and gel electrophoresis, molecular data analyses, and the preparation of a final presentation and report. Beyond laboratory work, she also experienced cultural immersion by interacting with Indonesian peers, guided by her student buddy and tutor, Dewi Sukma Inderawati, a Master’s student in the Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Study Program.
The internship program was initiated earlier in February 2026 when Dr. Nguyen Bao Quoc of Nong Lam University and Dr. Sintho Wahyuning Ardie of IPB University met during the 16th AFOB Regional Symposium (ARS 2026) in Vietnam. Their shared commitment to strengthening academic ties between the two institutions—already connected through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)—led to the establishment of this internship opportunity.
By the end of the program, Ms. Châu not only gained valuable research and academic experience but also broadened her cultural horizons. In recognition of her achievements, she was awarded 4 credits from IPB University. This internship exemplifies the Department’s dedication to fostering international collaboration, enhancing student competencies in advanced plant biotechnology, and building bridges across cultures through meaningful academic exchange.
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