Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia (2–4 September 2025) – Four students of the Bachelor of Public Health Program, Specialization in Tropical Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Diponegoro (FKM UNDIP) succeeded in showing their work in the international arena by participating in the 6th International Symposium on Insects (ISoI) 2025 with the theme “Beyond Insects: Unlocking Their Roles in Sustainable and Resilient Society”. This prestigious event is organised by the Entomological Society of Malaysia (ENTOMA) in collaboration with various universities in Malaysia and is located at the Raia Hotel & Convention Centre, Terengganu, Malaysia.
The participation of FKM UNDIP students in this symposium aims to increase insights, expand international academic networks, and contribute to the development of science in the field of health entomology. The delegates who attended consisted of Barroro Ayyu Adzkiya’, Dwike Dyandra Niti Aiysa, Fadiyah Casania Kareem, and Selpi Siti Patimah, accompanied by supervisor Dr. Ir. Martini, M.Kes., who participated as one of the poster presenters in the activity.
The series of ISoI 2025 activities lasted for two days, namely September 2-3, 2025. On the first day, participants had the opportunity to listen to various scientific presentations from well-known keynote speakers, including Prof. Dr. Patricia Conway from Nanyang Technological University, Prof. Dr. Sazaly Abu Bakar from Universiti Malaya, and Prof. Dr. Salmah Yaakop from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. The material presented included the role of insects in ecosystem sustainability, the potential use of larvae in the field of functional food, and collaborative approaches in dealing with public health threats. In addition, participants also witnessed oral presentations from international researchers and academics discussing the latest innovations in the field of entomology and biotechnology.
Entering the second day, the symposium was filled with a poster presentation session by the participants. On this occasion, the representative of the delegation of FKM UNDIP, Barroro Ayyu Adzkiya’, presented the results of the research in the form of a scientific poster in front of academics, researchers, and practitioners from various countries. This activity is an important forum for students to train scientific communication skills, expand academic networks, and obtain valuable input for further research development.
After the entire series of symposiums was completed, the UNDIP FKM delegation took advantage of the time in Kuala Terengganu to explore the culture and life of the local community independently. Some of the destinations visited include Payang Market, Crystal Mosque, and popular shopping areas as a form of cultural exposure that enriches students’ socio-cultural perspectives.
The participation of FKM UNDIP in the 6th ISoI 2025 is a strategic step in supporting campus internationalization efforts, especially in the fields of epidemiology and health entomology. Through this activity, students not only gain broader academic knowledge, but also build a global network that has the potential to open up opportunities for research collaboration, joint publications, and academic exchange programs in the future.