Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD) recently hosted the CHEST X MECHAPRO Engineering Exchange student mobility programme, which involved 20 students from the Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology (FTKKP) and the Faculty of Engineering Technology Mechanical and Automotive (FTKMA) at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA).

This initiative represents close cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia in the field of technology and engineering. 

The programme aims to provide students with exposure to best practices in the engineering industry, thereby strengthening academic relationships between the two countries.

The mobility programme was led by Ts. Junaidi Zakaria and Dr. Jun Haslinda Haji Shariffuddin from FTKKP as the main programme advisors. Also participating as a joint advisor was Ts. Dr. Azizul Helmi Sofian, who was specially invited to deliver a Scholars' Talk in the form of a Stadium General, a scholarly programme that has become a tradition in Indonesia.

This session successfully attracted the interest of over 80 second- and third-year students from the Faculty of Industrial Technology, along with faculty lecturers.

In his session, Ts. Dr. Azizul Helmi discussed topics related to 'Circular Economy & Waste: Smart Waste Management in Malaysia and Developed Countries'. He shared insights on the smart approaches adopted in waste management in Malaysia and other developed countries.

He emphasised how the concept of a circular economy can help developing countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia achieve more sustainable and efficient waste management. Ts. Dr. Azizul also highlighted examples of best practices from Malaysia, including waste management in Kuantan, Pahang, and from Japan, showcasing new technologies with the potential to be applied in other countries.

The topic received a warm response from participating students and lecturers, who showed a keen interest in the latest developments in this field. 

The students also shared their ideas and aspirations for solid waste management in Indonesia, particularly in Yogyakarta, to become more sustainable.

According to the Dean of the Faculty of Industrial Technology, Professor Ir. Dr. Siti Jamilatu, this programme not only provides a platform for the exchange of knowledge but also forms an important foundation for Malaysian and Indonesian students to collaborate on engineering and technology projects that address global issues such as environmental sustainability.

"Programmes like this give students the opportunity to see global challenges from a broader perspective while building a strong network of cooperation between the two countries," she said.

Also present were representatives from the Dean of Human Resources, Finance, Material and General Administration, Utaminingsih Linarti S.T., M.T., and Programme Coordinator, Hapsoro Agung Jatmiko S.T., M.T., as well as the Head of the Chemical Engineering Study Programme, Agus Atkawan S.T., M.Eng., along with other lecturers.

In addition to the Stadium General programme, this mobility initiative also included CSR activities in Ngunan-unan Hamlet, Srigading Village, Sanden, Bantul, focused on sustainable waste management, and the acquisition of a competency certificate from Universitas Ahmad Dahlan.

The successful organisation of this programme is expected to encourage Universitas Ahmad Dahlan and higher education institutions in Malaysia to continue intensifying efforts and cooperation in the field of engineering and technology, benefiting both countries and strengthening regional strategic relations.