Serdang, 5 November 2025 – The Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security (ITAFoS), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), received an official visit from a delegation of Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK), Banda Aceh, Indonesia, led by Prof. Dr. Ir. Rina Sriwati, M.Si, Head of the Doctoral Program in Agricultural Sciences, accompanied by a group of postgraduate students from the university.

The purpose of the visit was to strengthen research networks and knowledge exchange between ITAFoS and USK, particularly in tropical agriculture and sustainable development.

The delegation was welcomed by Prof. Dr. Anjas Asmara, Director of ITAFoS; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hasliza, Deputy Director; and Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Siti Izera Ismail, Head of the Climate-Smart Food Crop Production Laboratory (Lab FoodCrop), ITAFoS. The session included a briefing on the institute's organizational structure, core functions, and available research facilities.

The visit was further highlighted by a special lecture delivered by Prof. Dr. Ir. Rina Sriwati titled “The Aceh Patchouli Experience: From Upstream to Downstream”, where she shared valuable insights and experiences related to the patchouli industry in Aceh, covering the whole value chain from cultivation to commercialization.

In addition to the academic session, the delegation toured several research laboratories to observe the facilities and scientific equipment that support high-impact research conducted by UPM’s researchers and postgraduate students.

ITAFoS expresses its most profound appreciation to Prof. Dr. Ir. Rina Sriwati and the USK delegation for their visit. It is hoped that this engagement will catalyze strategic collaboration and joint research between the two institutions to advance tropical agriculture across Southeast Asia.

Date of Input: 18/11/2025 | Updated: 18/11/2025 | s_hasimah