The Master of Agribusiness Management (MMA) Program, Department of Agricultural Socio-Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), organized an academic field study to Malaysia from 6–9 July 2026. The program involved 27 students from MMA Cohorts 51 and 52, accompanied by Prof. Dr. Jangkung Handoyo Mulyo, M.Ec. and Dr. Ir. Lestari Rahayu Waluyati, M.P., as part of an experiential learning initiative designed to broaden students’ academic knowledge and expose them to international best practices in the agribusiness sector.
During the four-day program, participants visited four institutions representing higher education, the food manufacturing industry, and the plantation sector. The academic visit began at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), one of Malaysia’s leading universities with recognized strengths in agriculture and agribusiness. The visit provided valuable insights into higher education, research activities, and opportunities for international academic collaboration.
The program continued with an industrial visit to Chuan Hoe Coffee Factory, where students learned about coffee processing, quality control, and value-added product development. Participants also visited SD Guthrie Elaeis Gardens Sdn. Bhd. to gain a deeper understanding of sustainable plantation management, technological applications, and modern practices in the palm oil industry. The final destination was Ajinomoto Berhad Manufacturing, where students observed food manufacturing processes, quality assurance systems, and the implementation of innovation in food production.
Through this academic field study, students gained first-hand exposure to international academic and industrial environments, enriching their understanding of agribusiness management, innovation, and the competitiveness of the agricultural sector in a global context. The program also provided opportunities to expand professional networks and enhance students’ readiness to address future challenges in the agribusiness industry.
The academic field study reflects the commitment of the Master of Agribusiness Management Program at UGM to delivering experiential learning that integrates classroom knowledge with real-world industrial and international exposure. By engaging directly with academic and industrial institutions in Malaysia, students are expected to develop adaptive, innovative, and globally competitive competencies.
This activity also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality education by promoting experiential and internationalized learning, SDG 9: Industry innovation and infrastructure through exposure to innovation and industrial practices in the food and plantation sectors, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals by strengthening academic and industry partnerships across national borders.
Author: Natasya Putri Alifia, S.P.
Admin of the Website for the Department of Agricultural Socio-Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, UGM