Graduate students must possess experience in international activities, examples include exchange programs, summer courses, attendee conferences, and research fellows. We learned from Prof. Ir. Y. Andi Trisyono, M.Sc., Ph.D., an expert in the Department of Plant Protection, UGM who shared inspiring insights from his extensive experience at international activities at the sharing session. Held on December 15, 2024, in the Venture Room of Agrotropica Learning Center (AGLC), Faculty Agriculture, UGM. The session was attended by 50 participants both in person and online via the Zoom platform. The audience consisted of students, lecturers, and researchers from various institutions.
During this session, Prof. Andi recounted his journey while attending the International Congress of Entomology (ICE) 2024 in Kyoto, Japan, to the FAO/WHO Joint Meeting on Pesticide Management in Rome, Italy. He shared the efficiency and effectiveness of participating in international forums, the challenges encountered in cross-cultural research, and the opportunities for global collaboration, which he thinks are essential for the younger generation in pest science.
‘Participating in international activities not only broadens scientific horizons but also builds professional networks that are beneficial for future career development,’ Prof. Andi emphasized.
Besides this, he introduced the concept of “The Power of Vulnerability” and how vital it is in learning and growth processes. As was earlier identified, to acknowledge one’s incompetence, to take on challenges, and to stay open toward new opportunities takes courage; one of the keys to being successful in academic and professional domains.
The session also included an interactive discussion in which participants took part with Prof. Andi, asking him various questions about his experiences and strategies on how to overcome challenges in the global academic and research world.
In closing, Prof. Andi encouraged the students to embrace international opportunities with greater courage, emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation, continuous learning, and cross-disciplinary collaboration in achieving success.
He remarks on the session by encouraging the students to embrace international opportunities with full preparation and continuous learning more boldly, collaborating across disciplines to achieve success.
This event is expected to inspire the students toward self-preparation for exposure to academics globally and contribute to the science, especially regarding the field of plant protection. Student Community of Pest Science (SCoPS) UGM as event management looks forward to engaging in another sharing session with all participants.
Author: Safina Putri Nurrohmah & Muhammad Faris Ar Rif’at
Editor: Riya Fatma Sari
