By: Dr. Mohd Noor Hisham Mohd Nadzir
PERTH - A total of 10 students from the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science (FS), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), participated in a mobility programme, 'Scientist Log: Perth, Journey Across Ocean to University of Western Australia (UWA), Australia' organised by the Biology Student Club (KMB), UPM recently.
Programme advisor, Dr. Mohd Noor Hisham Mohd Nadzir, said he hoped the visit would provide new knowledge in the field of biology to the students as UWA is a world-class university and is ranked first in Australia.
"I hope the additional exposure will inspire the students to further deepen their knowledge in the field of Biology at the university," he said.
He added that UWA has also been ranked in the top 50 in the world for Biology, Environmental Science and Engineering, Marine/Ocean Engineering and Agricultural Science released by Academic Ranking of World Universities 2019, also known as Shanghai Ranking.
The 14-day programme which took place from July 26 to August 9, 2019 selected UWA as its destination for academic idea and cultural exchange programme between the two universities.
The programme also received sponsorship from Putra International Centre (i-Putra), Centre for Management of Waqf, Zakat and Endowment (WAZAN), UPM and individuals.
The Malaysian Postgraduate Students' Association-Western Australia (MyPSA-WA), an association established at UWA by postgraduate students to oversee the welfare, academic excellence and foster family spirit among its members, also took part in the programme.
The members of the association are made up of Malaysian students who are studying in universities around Western Australia.
The programme aimed at providing the students with an opportunity to explore and understand Australia's unique ecosystem as Australia is filled of flora and fauna that are not found in Malaysia.
Programme director, Ikhmal Syukqin Ismail, said the programme has allowed him to witness and practise the hygienic culture practiced by the Australians.
"I hope this visit will open the eyes of students to apply the culture of environmental sustainability in their university life and further strengthen their soft skills," he said.
Among the soft skills instilled through the trip are communication skills in English and adapting oneself to new challenges and environments.
Many activities were carried out during the programme such as engaging students with interactive experiences using augmented reality and virtual reality applications, conservation talks, in-depth research in brain wave and tours around UWA Crop Growth Facility that houses 19 greenhouses, eight phytotrons, 29 plant growth rooms and eight plant growth cabinets which also offer numerous research projects. - UPM
