WUACD Summit boosts ASEAN collaboration

Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) proudly hosted the 2025 WUACD Summit, held in conjunction with the ASEAN Microbial Biotechnology Conference (AMBC 2025) and the ASEAN Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Network Conference. The summit, running from Friday to Sunday (June 13–15, 2025), was held at the ASEEC Tower, Dharmawangsa-B Campus, UNAIR, Surabaya. The international summit welcomed representatives from over 12 countries and featured a comprehensive lineup of conferences, workshops, MoU signings, and field visits to community outreach sites.

This year’s conference aimed to strengthen regional collaboration across ASEAN nations in microbiology, biotechnology, and community development—fields increasingly vital in the face of global issues such as climate change, food insecurity, and biodiversity loss. The event brought together academics, researchers, private sector representatives, and international development organizations.

Building networks, creating solutions

In her opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Ni Nyoman Tri Puspaningsih, M.Si, UNAIR Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Community Development, described the conference as a key opportunity to align interdisciplinary research efforts across borders. “Today, we are not just hosting a conference—we are uniting global networks to strengthen international and cross-disciplinary partnerships. We hope this leads to new collaborations with real impact on communities,” Prof. Puspaningsih stated.

Echoing her remarks, AMBC 2025 Chair Prof. Dr. Ni’matuzahroh emphasized the forum’s role as a hub for knowledge exchange and regional innovation. “This forum is essential for fostering dialogue, innovation, and partnerships among microbiology and biotechnology experts across ASEAN, in support of sustainable development,” she noted.

Microbial science and innovation for ASEAN’s future

Prof. Dr. Ni’matuzahroh also highlighted the importance of leveraging the momentum of the conference to tackle future regional challenges through strengthened interdisciplinary cooperation. “This event serves as a platform to expand professional networks, deepen scientific perspectives, and drive innovative research collaborations that address upcoming crises,” she said.