en,malanginspirasi.com – Five students from the Chemistry Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Brawijaya (UB), participated in the Science Silpakorn University International Summer School 2026, organized by Silpakorn University, Thailand, from June 8-12, 2026.
The program, themed “Chemistry in Action: Exploring Water Analysis and Innovative Pollutant Removal,” brought together 34 participants from three countries: Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Only six students were from Indonesia of the total participants and five of whom were from the UB Chemistry Department: Azka Variza Iskandar, Nadira Esmeralda, Neyna Destarainy, Rajwa Zidana Mahentara, and Shyntia Putri.
This international program was providing a hands-on learning experience through lectures, laboratory activities, data processing, and field trips, enriching participants’ academic knowledge and international experience.
During the program, participants gained hands-on experience in various scientific activities, from collecting and analyzing water samples using analytical instruments to utilizing modern material characterization techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS).
Participants also received training in processing and interpreting experimental data, which is a crucial part of the research process and data-driven decision-making.
What Students Said about Their Involvement
Azka Variza Iskandar revealed that the experience of conducting direct water quality analysis was one of the most valuable experiences during the program.
“This activity helped me understand how environmental analysis is conducted in real-world practice and made me appreciate the importance of analytical chemistry in environmental monitoring even more,” she said.
In addition to academic activities, the program provided opportunities for participants to broaden their international horizons through various cultural exchange activities.
Through the Cultural Night activity, participants introduced their respective countries’ cultures while learning about the cultural diversity of other countries.
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The interactions formed during the program not only strengthened cross-cultural communication skills but also opened up opportunities for ongoing international collaboration and friendship.
According to Nadira Esmeralda, the Cultural Night activity was one of the most memorable moments during the program. “Cultural Night was one of the most memorable parts of the program because we were able to learn about various cultures directly from the participants,” she said.
Participants also took part in an educational visit to Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand, to gain a closer understanding of local culture, community-based industries, and Thailand’s historical and artistic heritage.
This experience provided a new perspective on the relationship between science, culture, and community development.
Rajwa Zidana Mahentara said the visit was an unforgettable experience.
“The visit to Samut Songkhram was an extraordinary experience because I was able to experience Thai culture and traditions firsthand,” she said.
The Head of Chemistry Department Appreciates The Opportunity
The Head of the Chemistry Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Brawijaya University (UB), Anna Safitri, Ph.D., expressed her appreciation for the students’ participation in this international program.
According to her, the success of those selected five UB Chemistry students was a proud achievement and demonstrated the quality and competitiveness of UB Chemistry students at the international level.
“We are very proud that five of the six Indonesian participants in this program are from the Department of Chemistry, Brawijaya University. This demonstrates the quality of UB’s Chemistry students, who are able to compete and adapt in an international academic environment. The experience of learning alongside participants from Thailand and the Philippines, as well as the opportunity to use various modern analytical instruments and methods, will be invaluable for developing their academic and professional competencies in the future,” said Anna Safitri.
The participation of UB’s Chemistry Department students in the Science Silpakorn University International Summer School 2026 demonstrates the institution’s commitment to supporting the internationalization of higher education, developing academic competencies, and enhancing students’ capacity to contribute to the global scientific community.
Those related SDGs include SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)
