UNIMUH Makassar–Universiti Malaysia Sabah Strengthen Food Safety Research Through International Webinar

UNISMUH.AC.ID, MAKASSAR — The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FKIK) of Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar, together with Universitas Malaysia Sabah, hosted an International Webinar on Enhancing Food Security and Safety Through Sustainable Agroecology Practices, bringing together academics from both countries to discuss global food sector challenges and opportunities for development through collaborative research.

The event took place virtually on Thursday, December 4, 2025. In his opening remarks, representatives from Unismuh, led by Prof. Syamsia, emphasized that sustainable agriculture is now a global concern, particularly in the context of climate change, land degradation, and increasing food demand.

The collaboration between Unismuh and Universiti Malaysia Sabah is seen as a strategic step to strengthen academic networks and expand research across countries, particularly in the fields of agroecology, agricultural technology, and sustainable development.

Prof. Dr. Abdul Hamid bin Ahmad, Dean of the Faculty of Development at Universiti Malaysia Sabah, who also gave a formal address, emphasized the importance of the webinar as a follow-up to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two institutions the previous year. He noted that this collaboration opens the door for joint publications, increased mobility of students and faculty, and research targeting regional and global food sector issues.

"This collaboration demonstrates the importance of working together to address food security challenges that transcend national borders," he said. Representatives from Unismuh Makassar, led by Prof. Syamsiah, expressed her appreciation for this guest lecture, which was positively received by Dr. Rovina Kobun, who is scheduled to visit Unismuh Makassar for research.

After the opening session, the webinar moved on to presentations from the two main speakers. The first speaker, Dr. Clement Chin from Universiti Malaysia Sabah, outlined the role of microorganisms in enhancing food security through soil management, reducing the use of chemical fertilizers, and controlling plant diseases.

He explained that the use of selected microorganisms can increase crop productivity while reducing chemical inputs by up to 50 percent without reducing yields. "Nature provides millions of beneficial microbes that can help agricultural systems cope with climate change and soil degradation," he said.

The second speaker, Prof. Dr. Suryani As'ad, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FKIK) of Unismuh Makassar, highlighted the relationship between food security and nutritional status at various stages of human life. She explained that the period from the first 1,000 days of life—from pregnancy to two years old—is the most crucial phase that determines the health of future generations.

"Food insecurity in the early stages of life can lead to stunting, cognitive impairment, and an increased risk of chronic diseases," she said. She also mentioned the national free nutritious meal program and the importance of prioritizing regions to ensure effective implementation.

The discussion session was interactive, with several participants asking about the effectiveness of food policies, the role of microbiology research in future agriculture, and strategies to prevent intergenerational malnutrition. Prof. Suryani reiterated that food security solutions must be comprehensive, encompassing food availability, sanitation, and healthcare services.

The next session was a presentation by Prof. Ratnawati Tahir, who discussed food stability and availability in the future, particularly for future generations.

The webinar concluded with the hope that both institutions will continue to strengthen research collaboration and launch collaborative academic programs that will have a positive impact on enhancing food security in Southeast Asia.