Strengthening Regional Collaboration: IPB University and Partner Institutions Shine at IWPBMR 2025
Strengthening Regional Collaboration: IPB University and Partner Institutions Shine at IWPBMR 2025
Tainan, Taiwan (May 7–9, 2025) – Researchers and students from Indonesia and Malaysia actively contributed to the International Workshop on Biodiversity, Integrative Plant Biotechnology, and Microbiology Research to Support Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture (IWPBMR 2025), held at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), Taiwan. This prestigious three-day event gathered leading experts and scholars under the theme “Current Development in Agricultural Biotechnology”, focusing on biodiversity, integrative plant biotechnology, and microbiology research to drive food security and sustainable agriculture across the region.
Regional Academic Collaboration
The event was co-organized by the Graduate Program of Translational Agricultural Sciences at National Cheng Kung University and Academia Sinica (TAS NCKU-AS), along with the Academia Sinica Biotechnology Center in Southern Taiwan (AS-BCST) and the Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center (ABRC), Academia Sinica, serving as the event manager. Among the key contributors to IWPBMR 2025 were distinguished delegates from Indonesia and Malaysia, including representatives from IPB University (Indonesia), Padjadjaran University (Indonesia), Bandung Institute of Technology (Indonesia), and University Technology Mara (Malaysia). Their involvement reinforced bilateral and multilateral collaborations in agricultural biotechnology, paving the way for enhanced knowledge exchange and research partnerships.
IPB University’s Impactful Participation
The delegation from IPB University made a remarkable impact, with Prof. Dr. Suryo Wiyono (Dean of Agriculture Faculty), Prof. Dr. Dewi Sukma (Head of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Study Program), and Dr. Sintho Wahyuning Ardie serving as speakers, sharing invaluable insights on recent advancements in plant biotechnology. Their presentations provided a scientific foundation for collaborative research initiatives, engaging participants in discussions on cutting-edge biotechnological breakthroughs.
In addition, three Plant Breeding and Biotechnology master’s students showcased their research contributions: Sachio and Muhammad Aksan Raditya (supervised by Prof. Dr. Dewi Sukma), and M. Reza Pahlevi (supervised by Dr. Sintho Wahyuning Ardie). Their presentations demonstrated IPB University’s dedication to pioneering agricultural research, fostering interdisciplinary connections with regional scholars and institutions.
Strengthening Long-Term Academic Partnerships
This year, IWPBMR continued the seven-year collaboration between Prof. Dr. Dewi Sukma (IPB University) and Prof. Dr. Ming-Tsair Chan (Academia Sinica Biotechnology Center in Southern Taiwan), initiated through the World Class Professor program. Their ongoing efforts have cultivated student exchange programs, joint research projects, and strengthened regional academic networks.
Key Discussions and Industry Engagement
From May 7–8, participants engaged in conference sessions and interactive workshops, exploring sustainable agricultural innovations, research roadmaps, and funding strategies for international joint projects. The discussions encouraged cross-institutional research synergies, supporting deeper engagement between Indonesian and Malaysian universities and their Taiwanese counterparts. On May 9, delegates visited CH Biotech, Taiwan, gaining firsthand exposure to advanced agricultural biotechnology applications. The visit provided critical industry insights and strengthened future research collaboration prospects.
Looking Forward
With their active participation and significant contributions, delegates from IPB University, Padjadjaran University, Bandung Institute of Technology, and University Technology Mara have reinforced the importance of regional scientific collaboration in agricultural biotechnology. The connections built during IWPBMR 2025 are expected to foster future research innovations, policy development, and student mobility programs—advancing food security and sustainable agriculture in Asia.
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