SBS STRENGTHENS INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION WITH UNDIP IN ENTOMOLOGY AND VECTOR MANAGEMENT
Semarang, Indonesia, 19 August 2026 – School of Biological Sciences (SBS), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), continues to strengthen its international research and academic network through the exchange of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on Research with the Faculty of Public Health (FKM), Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), Semarang, Indonesia.
The collaboration involves the Entomology and Parasitology Programme, SBS, USM, and the Public Health Entomology Programme, FKM UNDIP, with a focus on strengthening collaboration in the fields of entomology, parasitology, vector biology and public health.
The exchange of the Research MoA on 19 August 2026 marks an important step towards expanding research and academic collaboration between the two institutions. The agreement provides opportunities for joint research, academic and student mobility, knowledge and expertise sharing, joint publications and capacity building in related fields.
The collaboration was further strengthened through the 2026 International Workshop on Vector and Pest Management and the Vector and Pest Management Capacity-Building Workshop, held from 18 to 21 August 2026. The programmes brought together academic experts, researchers, facilitators and participants from the collaborating institutions to share knowledge, expertise and practical experience in vector and pest management.
As part of the international workshop, Prof. Ts. Dr. Abdul Hafiz Ab Majid from the School of Biological Sciences, USM, delivered a keynote lecture entitled “Molecular Ecology for Deciphering Breeding Patterns of Urban Insect Pests: Advancing Sustainable Pest Management.” The lecture highlighted the application of molecular ecology in understanding the breeding structure and population dynamics of urban insect pests, and its potential to support more targeted and sustainable pest management strategies.
The workshop also featured Prof. Dr. Kun-Hsien Tsai from National Taiwan University, who delivered a keynote lecture entitled “One Health Approach in Vector Management.” His presentation emphasised the importance of integrating human, animal and environmental health perspectives in developing effective and sustainable strategies for vector management.
The four-day capacity-building programme also featured practical and knowledge-sharing sessions covering molecular diversity of vectors, termite and cockroach surveys, mosquito identification and taxonomy, identification of rats, ectoparasites and bats, as well as integrated pest management in urban environments.
The strategic collaboration between USM and UNDIP reflects the commitment of both institutions to developing long-term research and academic partnerships, particularly in public health entomology, vector management and urban pest management.
Through this collaboration, SBS and its partners aim to create greater opportunities for expertise sharing, research collaboration and capacity building, while contributing to sustainable pest management, public health protection, human capital development and scientific advancement at the regional level.
Prepared by: Nur Ain Nabila Binti Mohamad Zaihan
Date: 21 August 2026