Seoul, South Korea – May 2025 — Prof. Dr. Aziz Boing Sitanggang, STP., M.Sc., Secretary of the International Research Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health (LRI PGK) IPB University, represented the campus in a prestigious training program organized by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) with a program titled “The 3rd KOICA-ICAB Short-Term Training Program” held on May 20–30, 2025 at Seoul National University (SNU), South Korea. This training is part of KOICA’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) program to support the strengthening of the higher education sector in Indonesia. Specifically, this program supports the capacity building of the Center for Agriculture and Bioscience IPB University, including the development of Human Resources, institutions, and the operation of modern laboratories based on superior research in the fields of agriculture and bioscience.
Capacity Building and Research Collaboration During the program, participants participated in a series of activities such as visits to various leading institutions in Korea engaged in agriculture and biotechnology, as well as exploration of cutting-edge research technology and laboratory facility management. Participants also attended the Green Bio Science thematic lecture, which discussed strategic issues surrounding agriculture, food security, and sustainable bioscience technology, as well as a Country Report and Action Plan preparation session as part of the program’s follow-up commitment. Appearing at the International Scientific Forum In this series of activities, Prof. Aziz was also invited as a speaker at the 3rd IPB-SNU Green Bio Science Forum, which was held on May 21, 2025. He delivered a scientific presentation entitled “Presenting in The 3rd IPB-SNU Green Bio Science Forum”, in front of academics and researchers from IPB University and the KOICA Team who are active in collaborative research and development of technological innovation in the agriculture and bioscience sectors.
Closing and Presentation of the Action Plan The training program officially closed on May 29, 2025 through the Action Plan Presentation and KOICA Evaluation session, where Prof. Aziz again appeared to present IPB University’s strategic action plan for the future, including efforts to strengthen laboratories and increase international research collaboration.
The event ended with a closing ceremony that officially marked the end of the program, along with the hope of a stronger collaboration between IPB University and Korean partners in the future. Towards a Global Innovation Network The active presence of Prof. Aziz in this program is an important representation of IPB University’s commitment to building a global network, strengthening institutional capacity, and encouraging sustainable agricultural innovation in Indonesia. This program also emphasizes IPB’s strategic role in building a center of excellence in bioscience that is able to compete internationally while contributing to achieving national food security.