The Karst Microbe Research Collaboration Center (PKR) and the Faculty of Forestry at Hasanuddin University (Unhas) successfully held a workshop titled “Public Lecture on Research Social Innovation in Malaysia” and “Publishing Research Book.” The hybrid event, held at the Senate Hall of the Faculty of Forestry, Unhas, and via Zoom Meeting, was attended by various domestic and international educational institutions, including UiTM Negeri Sembilan Branch (Malaysia), Muhammadiyah University of Pare-Pare, Muhammadiyah University of Makassar, Muslim University of Maros, Jeli Kelantan Polytechnic (Malaysia), as well as students from the Forestry Engineering Program and the Vocational Faculty at Unhas.
Prof. Dr. Ir. Syamsu Rijal, S.Hut., M.Si., IPU., Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs and Student Affairs at the Faculty of Forestry, Unhas, expressed appreciation for this inter-institutional collaboration in his opening remarks. He emphasized the importance of integrating academia, research, and community service to create innovative solutions in the field of forestry. “This workshop not only enriches academic knowledge but also opens concrete opportunities for students and researchers to contribute to sustainable development,” he said.
The first day of the workshop focused on social innovation in Malaysia, with discussions covering the Malaysian Social Innovation Grant Program by Dr. Noor Azrimi (UiTM Negeri Sembilan Branch), UMT’s initiatives in social innovation by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shahrul Ismail (Universiti Malaysia Terengganu), and the utilization of mushroom research for community empowerment by Dr. Dr. Azhar Mohamad (Chairman of the Malaysian Mushroom Researchers and Entrepreneurs Association).
The second workshop session focused on scientific book publication led by Dr. Noor Azrimi. Participants were guided through strategic steps for publishing books via Springer, including the review and selection process for manuscripts, mind mapping techniques, and the use of AI for content development, as well as strategies for inter-university research collaboration.
This activity further strengthens the commitment to research collaboration between UiTM Negeri Sembilan Branch and Unhas. Both institutions agreed to develop joint research programs, particularly in the fields of sustainable forestry technology and social innovation. Prof. Dr. Siti Halimah Larekeng, Head of the Forestry Engineering Program at Unhas, emphasized that this collaboration will focus on knowledge exchange, joint scientific publications, and the development of applied technology prototypes beneficial to society. “Collaboration with UiTM opens access to Malaysia’s innovative approaches in forest resource management while enriching the academic perspectives of both parties,” she explained. Concrete plans include joint research grants, student exchanges, and the establishment of a joint innovation center by 2026.
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