Yogyakarta, August 19, 2026 — A total of 525 participants took part in MICROLINK 2026, an event organized by the Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), at the Agrotropica Learning Center (AGLC), Faculty of Agriculture UGM, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
Under the theme “Connecting Students to Global Opportunities,” MICROLINK 2026 provided students with insights into international education, scholarship opportunities, and global career development. The event was open to UGM students as well as the general public and attracted participants from universities and schools across Yogyakarta and surrounding areas, including UGM, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY), Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Yogyakarta (UPN Veteran Yogyakarta), Universitas Amikom Yogyakarta, Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII), STIE YKPN Yogyakarta, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), Universitas Terbuka (UT), and SMA Negeri 3 Yogyakarta.
MICROLINK 2026 featured three main activities: International Education Expo & Universities Showcase, Scholarship Sharing Session, and Global Career Insight. Each session was designed to broaden students’ perspectives on the various pathways available for pursuing international academic and professional experiences.
International Education Expo & Universities Showcase
The first activity, the International Education Expo & Universities Showcase, was held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. WIB. Participants had the opportunity to meet representatives from several international universities and obtain first-hand information about study opportunities.
The participating universities represented countries including New Zealand, Canada, Australia, and Singapore. They included the University of Otago, Thompson Rivers University, the University of British Columbia, Griffith University, The University of Queensland, and the National University of Singapore (NUS).
The presence of representatives from these institutions gave participants an opportunity to learn more about study programs, academic environments, and international education opportunities that they may consider for their future studies.
Scholarship Sharing Session
The second activity, the Scholarship Sharing Session: Scholarship Tips and Tricks, was held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. WIB. The session featured six young lecturers from the Department of Agricultural Microbiology, all of whom have international educational experience.
The speakers shared their personal experiences of pursuing higher education abroad, obtaining scholarships, and preparing for international study. Their academic journeys included experiences at institutions such as Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology (TUAT) and Shizuoka University in Japan, The University of Queensland in Australia, Kyungpook National University in South Korea, and the University of York in the United Kingdom.
The session provided students with practical insights into pursuing higher education overseas. The speakers highlighted the importance of thorough preparation, including identifying suitable universities, preparing application documents, strengthening English-language skills, and understanding effective scholarship application strategies.
Global Career Insight
The final session, Global Career Insight, was held from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. WIB and featured Surya Dwi Kusuma Darpita, S.P., M.S.M., PHRI, a 2007 alumnus of Agricultural Microbiology at UGM who has more than 13 years of experience in Human Resources (HR) leadership.
During the session, Surya shared insights from his professional journey and emphasized the importance of developing relevant competencies to navigate an increasingly globalized workplace.
With experience leading rewards and performance strategies for more than 17,000 employees across the Asia-Pacific region, as well as serving previously as Regional Head of Talent Acquisition & Development at SC Johnson, Surya offered students a practical perspective on workplace expectations and career development in a global environment.
The session highlighted that preparing for a global career involves more than academic achievement. Communication skills, leadership, adaptability, networking, and a commitment to continuous learning are equally important in building a successful international career.
Encouraging Students to Go Beyond Boundaries
The enthusiasm demonstrated by 525 participants from 10 educational institutions reflects the strong interest among students in international education and career opportunities. MICROLINK 2026 served not only as an information-sharing forum but also as a platform connecting students with universities, alumni, academics, and professionals with international experience.
Through its three main activities, the Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture UGM, sought to expand students’ access to international information and networks. The event also formed part of the department’s efforts to encourage students to develop a global outlook and become more confident in pursuing opportunities beyond national borders.
According to Desi Utami, S.P., M.Env.Sc., Ph.D., Head of the Agricultural Microbiology Study Program and Chair of the MICROLINK 2026 Organizing Committee, the event was part of the program’s efforts to provide students with broader access to international networks and opportunities.
She encouraged active students to begin preparing for a globally oriented future by developing the confidence to dream beyond conventional boundaries and the ability to recognize and pursue international opportunities.
Desi also expressed her appreciation for the support of Interest Education in organizing MICROLINK 2026. The collaboration was considered important in expanding students’ access to information and opportunities in international education while providing more concrete insights into study options, prospective universities, scholarships, and pathways to pursue higher education abroad.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Saifur Rohman, S.P., M.Si., M.Eng., Ph.D., Head of the Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture UGM, expressed his appreciation for the implementation of MICROLINK 2026 as an initiative aligned with the department’s efforts to broaden students’ international perspectives and networks.
Carrying the spirit of “Bridge the Beyond,” MICROLINK 2026 is expected to serve as a bridge for students to discover new opportunities, build meaningful networks, and prepare themselves for broader academic and professional futures on the global stage.
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The Scholarship Sharing Session featured six young lecturers from the Department of Agricultural Microbiology sharing their experiences of pursuing higher education and scholarships abroad.