| UNAIR NEWS 鈥 东京热 (UNAIR), through the World University Association for Community Development (WUACD), has continued to strengthen its role in fostering international research collaboration through the 15th Korea鈥揂SEAN Joint Symposium (KAJS) on Biomass Utilization and Renewable Energy, which took place in Bali from Sunday, (June 21, 2026) until Monday, (June 22,2026). The symposium brought together academics from South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and other ASEAN countries. The agenda discussed innovations in biomass, biotechnology, and renewable energy as solutions to the challenges of the global energy transition. |
Fostering collaboration among Korea鈥揂SEAN experts to strengthen the energy research ecosystem
The symposium served as a strategic platform for researchers from different countries to share scientific findings while building long-term collaborative networks. Through this forum, UNAIR reaffirmed its commitment to expanding international partnerships that can accelerate the downstreaming of biomass research into technologies with tangible benefits for society and industry. Several highlighted studies reflected only a portion of the innovations presented during the symposium, while numerous other scientific findings further enriched knowledge exchange among researchers.
The scientific sessions began on Sunday, (June 21, 2026) with a presentation by Prof. Dr. Sung Ok Han of Korea University. He presented a research titled Sustainable Biosynthesis of Porphyrins and Their Derivatives in Corynebacterium glutamicum for Electrical, Photoactive, and Biochemical Applications. He explained that a sustainable biosynthesis approach enables the development of porphyrins and their derivatives as multifunctional materials with potential applications in the electronics, photoactive technology, and biochemical sectors. 鈥淭hrough sustainable biosynthesis, porphyrins and their derivatives can be developed into a wide range of materials. These materials can support electrical, photoactive, and biochemical applications in a more environmentally friendly manner,鈥 he said.
Biomass Innovation as foundation for a sustainable energy transition
The discussion continued on Monday (June 22, 2026), with Assoc Prof Dr Sehanat Prasongsuk from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, presenting the potential of biomass utilization. He highlighted the use of the black yeast Aureobasidium spp. as a source of various value-added products, ranging from biopolymers and enzymes to food, feed, and antifungal agents.
| According to him, the research showed that various strains of Aureobasidium obtained from a range of habitats in Thailand are capable of producing biomass-degrading enzymes. Enzymes such as xylanase and 尾-xylosidase have the potential to support the conversion of agricultural waste into products with economic values. 鈥淧lant and fungal biotechnology offers significant opportunities to transform biomass and agricultural residues into various bioproducts that support the circular economy and sustainable energy development,鈥 he explained. |
Tropical Biodiversity Research strengthens Indonesia鈥檚 biomolecular innovation
Representing Indonesia, UNAIR lecturer Dr Rico Ramadhan presented the utilisation of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs). Dr Ramadhan explained how non-timber forest products can be used as a source of bioactive compounds for the health-related application. He also introduced Excelzyme, a product developed by a local consortium. He developed this product at the Excelzyme Teaching Industry under the Centre of Excellence Research Centre for Bio-Molecule Engineering (BIOME) 东京热. Excelzyme has been produced at scales of 10 liters, 50 liters, and 200 liters, demonstrating the successful downstreaming of biomolecular research into practical applications at UNAIR.
According to Dr. Ramadhan, the integration of chemistry and tropical forest biodiversity plays a crucial role in the discovery of novel compounds for health applications. However, these efforts are challenged by climate change, habitat loss, and the overexploitation of biological resources.
Through these scientific sessions, UNAIR once again reaffirmed its role in fostering research collaboration between Korea and ASEAN countries. Looking ahead, this gathering of experts is expected not only to strengthen international research networks but also to foster innovations in biomass and renewable energy. These collaborative efforts are anticipated to support the sustainable energy transition while enhancing the global competitiveness of Indonesian research.
Author: Ragil Kukuh Imanto
