The Master’s Program in Food Science and Technology (MFST), Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, took part in a coordination meeting on the Agro Cluster Double Degree Program with Kyoto University. The meeting was held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, in Conference Room 2, on the second floor of UGM’s East Wing.
The meeting was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the double degree partnership between UGM and Kyoto University, which has been running since 2023. Within MFST UGM, the partnership has been implemented through the participation of Muzdalifah, an MFST student who is currently pursuing her studies and conducting research at Kyoto University. The meeting also discussed the prospective departure of another MFST student in the 2026/2027 academic year.
Kyoto University was represented by Professor Hirokazu Higuchi, coordinator of the Double Degree Program between Kyoto University’s Graduate School of Agriculture and Universitas Gadjah Mada. The face-to-face discussion strengthened academic communication among MFST UGM, Kyoto University, and the prospective program participant. It also helped facilitate communication with the host professor who is expected to supervise the student’s research at a Kyoto University laboratory.
For MFST UGM, this support reflects the program’s commitment to promoting student internationalisation. Internationalisation goes beyond providing opportunities to study abroad. It is also about preparing graduates with cross-border academic experience, international research networks, and a global outlook on the development of food science and technology.
During the meeting, Professor Higuchi also shared information on scholarship opportunities available to students during their studies in Japan, including funding offered by industries, private companies, and the Japanese government. The forum also opened opportunities for broader academic collaboration, particularly joint supervision involving academics from UGM and Kyoto University. This possibility is being seriously explored by MFST UGM and was warmly welcomed by Professor Higuchi.
The meeting contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by expanding students’ access to internationally oriented postgraduate education, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by strengthening academic collaboration between UGM and Kyoto University.
Through this initiative, MFST UGM reaffirms its commitment to expanding its international network and supporting students in becoming accomplished graduates with strong academic experience and a global perspective.
