Surabaya – A student from the Undergraduate Chemistry Study Program, Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), Universitas Airlangga, Relovi Kayla Maharani (Student ID: 184221012), successfully participated in the UBD-AUN Summer Camp 2026, organized by Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) Global Engagement in collaboration with the ASEAN University Network (AUN) from 1–10 July 2026 in Brunei Darussalam. The international program carried the theme “Tides of Tomorrow: Reimagining Coastal Cities,” focusing on the development of adaptive, sustainable coastal cities that are in harmony with marine ecosystems.
The program brought together 111 students from various countries, including Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, South Korea, and Hong Kong. Throughout the ten-day program, participants engaged in a series of academic and cultural activities designed to enhance their understanding of climate change challenges, coastal urban development, and the importance of cross-border collaboration in achieving sustainable development.
A variety of activities were conducted during the program, including lecture sessions, the Future Ocean Changemakers Youth Forum, site visits, and project-based learning in multinational teams. One of the highlights was a visit to the Royal Brunei Navy, where participants learned about the role of maritime security in protecting coastal areas and marine resources. Participants were also introduced to several Blue Economy initiatives in Brunei Darussalam, including TRACKS Brunei Turtle Conservation & Marine Wildlife Recovery, Carbon AKAR (Mangrove Restoration & Community Climate Action), and Warisan Oyster (Oyster Remediation & River Restoration), which demonstrate the integration of environmental conservation with sustainable development.
One of the most memorable sessions was a lecture on Tropical Biodiversity delivered by Dr. Ulmar Grafe from the Faculty of Science, Universiti Brunei Darussalam. During the session, participants explored the concept of bioinspiration, which involves drawing inspiration from living organisms to develop innovative technologies, including environmentally friendly materials and energy solutions. Relovi actively participated in the discussion by raising questions regarding the ethical considerations, conservation efforts, and research funding related to bioinspiration, receiving direct appreciation from the speaker.
In addition to attending lectures, Relovi collaborated with other international participants in a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) to develop The Amphibious Blue-Green Belt, a hybrid infrastructure concept aimed at improving the resilience of coastal cities against the impacts of climate change. Through this activity, participants enhanced their communication, critical thinking, and teamwork skills within a multicultural environment.
Beyond the academic experience, Relovi also participated in various cultural activities, including visits to Kampong Ayer, the largest water village in Brunei Darussalam, and observing the proboscis monkey in its natural habitat. Interacting with students from different countries provided valuable opportunities for cultural exchange, expanding international networks, and strengthening English communication skills in real-life settings.
Relovi’s participation in the program was fully supported by Universitas Airlangga through Airlangga Global Engagement (AGE) and the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), both in the form of academic recommendations and financial assistance. Through this experience, Relovi hopes that more Universitas Airlangga students will be encouraged to participate in similar international programs to broaden their global perspectives, build international networks, and further enhance the university’s reputation on the global stage.
