The Pharmacy Study Program of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Science (FIKS), Universitas PGRI Madiun (UNIPMA), continues to expand its international network through the organization of a guest lecture along with the signing of an Implementation Agreement (IA) with Bulacan Agricultural State College (BASC), Philippines. This activity took place at the Integrated Laboratory, 3rd Floor of FIKS, on Friday (April 17).

Carrying the topic “The Role of Organic Chemistry in the Synthesis of New Drugs,” this guest lecture presented important perspectives on the role of organic chemistry in the development of new medicines. The material was delivered by Miya Andrea R. Gonzales, a BASC student, who also shared her academic experiences and insights into the dynamics of lectures in the Philippines.

Not merely a scientific forum, this activity was also combined with the signing of the Implementation Agreement (IA) as a strategic step to strengthen cross-country collaboration. The agreement was signed directly by the Dean of FIKS UNIPMA, Apt. Weka Sidha Bhagawan, M. Farm., accompanied by Pharmacy lecturers and witnessed by students.

In an interview, Apt. Weka Sidha Bhagawan, M. Farm., emphasized that this activity serves as a platform for sharing academic experiences as well as comparing learning systems between countries. He stated that students can understand both differences and similarities in educational patterns while broadening their cultural perspectives.

“Through this activity, students can see how lectures in the Philippines take place and compare them with those in Indonesia. From there, they gain a better understanding of the global context, including different cultures,” he said.

Furthermore, he emphasized that international collaboration is part of the indicators of an impactful university. According to him, higher education institutions cannot focus solely on the national scope but must also play a role on the global stage.

“In today’s era, globalization is inevitable. Universities cannot remain in their own ‘shell.’ Through activities like this guest lecture, the spirit of going international is reignited,” he added.

He hopes that this activity not only provides knowledge exchange but also broader experiences for students, ranging from cultural insights to readiness in facing the international job market.

“We want students not only to understand the development of pharmaceutical sciences abroad but also to be mentally and experientially prepared to face the workforce, both at national and international levels,” he explained.

This activity is part of the commitment of the Pharmacy Study Program of FIKS UNIPMA in creating an open and contextual learning environment. Students not only gain new knowledge but are also encouraged to think critically in utilizing the development of science and technology wisely and in accordance with academic ethics.

Through the implementation of this guest lecture, the Pharmacy Study Program of FIKS UNIPMA once again affirms its role in producing graduates who are adaptive, globally minded, and ready to face the challenges of the digital era. Learning is no longer limited to theory but evolves into real experiences relevant to future needs.

For more complete information related to university activities, you can visit UNIPMA’s official Instagram account at @official_unipma. UNIPMA has also opened new student admissions for the 2025/2026 academic year. Registration for new students in the Regular and RPL programs for the 2025/2026 academic year is now open.