UNS and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Strengthen Academic Collaboration through Joint Lecture on Bird Migration

Surakarta, Indonesia — May 18, 2026. The Biology Education Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), in collaboration with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), successfully conducted a Joint Lecture on Ornithology on Monday, May 18, 2026. Focusing on the topic “Bird Migration,” the lecture provided students with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of avian ecology while engaging in academic exchange with an international partner university.

The joint lecture was conducted in a hybrid format, combining an in-person session at Room 304, FKIP UNS, with an online session via Zoom. The program brought together students from the Biology Education Study Program at UNS and students from UKM, creating an international learning environment that enabled participants to exchange knowledge, perspectives, and academic experiences.

The lecture featured two experts in the field of biology and ornithology: Dr. Mohammad Saiful bin Mansor from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and Dr. Puguh Karyanto, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D. from Universitas Sebelas Maret.

Exploring the Science of Bird Migration

Bird migration is an important phenomenon in ornithology and ecology, involving the movement of birds across geographical regions in response to ecological, environmental, and biological factors. Through the joint lecture, participants were introduced to scientific perspectives on bird migration while gaining insights from experts representing two academic institutions.

The involvement of lecturers from UNS and UKM also provided students with a broader perspective on ornithological studies in the Southeast Asian context. The exchange encouraged participants to connect theoretical concepts learned in class with broader scientific issues related to biodiversity, ecosystems, and environmental change.

Beyond the academic content, the lecture served as a platform for students from Indonesia and Malaysia to interact directly with one another. The international classroom environment encouraged cross-cultural communication and opened opportunities for students to expand their academic networks beyond their home institutions.

Advancing International Academic Engagement

The Joint Lecture reflects the commitment of the Biology Education Study Program, FKIP UNS, to strengthening international academic engagement through collaborative teaching and learning activities.

By bringing together lecturers and students from UNS and UKM, the program demonstrated how international collaboration can enrich the learning experience and encourage students to develop a broader understanding of biological sciences. Such initiatives also provide a foundation for future collaboration in research, academic mobility, and environmental conservation.

The Biology Education Study Program, FKIP UNS, expresses its appreciation to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Dr. Mohammad Saiful bin Mansor, Dr. Puguh Karyanto, and all participating students and organizers for their contributions to the successful implementation of the Joint Lecture.

The collaboration is expected to continue creating opportunities for meaningful academic exchange and inspire students to pursue further exploration and research in ornithology, biodiversity, and environmental conservation.

Through international academic collaboration, UNS and UKM continue to connect knowledge, people, and perspectives for a deeper understanding of biodiversity and the natural world.