Guest Professor Visit “Prof. Panuwat Suppakul” Enhances International Reputation of IPB University’s Agricultural Industrial Engineering Study Program

Panuwat Suppakul, a professor in packaging technology from the Department of Packaging and Material Technology has visited the FATETA Agricultural Industrial Engineering Study Program on May 19 – 27, 2024. During his visit, Prof. Suppakul gave a presentation in the TIN1420 Packaging Technology Course which has been attended by around 130 undergraduate students. The lecture emphasized on conventional packaging, modern packaging or smart packaging that has now evolved to provide increased functionality. Technological developments in food packaging continue, with the main goal of improving efficiency, safety and sustainability. Through the understanding and application of these various packaging techniques, the food industry can continue to innovate to meet the increasingly high needs and expectations of consumers.

In addition, together with Prof. Endang Warsiki and Dr. Elisa Anggraini, Prof. Suppakul initiated a Joint Module entitled “CIRCULAR ECONOMY FOR SUSTAINABLE AGROINDUSTRY: Chocolate, Coffee, Tea & Horticultural”. Collaboration in the form of a joint module between the two universities has various objectives including improving the quality of education, research, and professional development for students and lecturers. This joint module is planned to be implemented in the academic year 2024/2025 with other international partners including Maejo University (Thailand), PT Hillcoff.co (Thailand), Universiti Putra Malaysia and Nong Lam University (Vietnam).

On the sidelines of his visit, Prof. Suppakul also did not miss the opportunity to become a speaker at the International Webinar entitled “Revolutioning on Active Smart and Intelligent Packaging for Modern Life”. Together with two other speakers, Prof. Endang Warsiki and Agung Dwijajanto, S.Si, they raised cutting-edge packaging solutions that not only improve safety and convenience for consumers but also encourage sustainability by reducing waste and optimizing supply chain efficiency, engaging the circular economy and still providing profits for the commercial industry. As sustainable packaging technology advances, active, intelligent and smart packaging will play a significant role in shaping a safer, informed and efficient modern lifestyle. This webinar has attracted nearly 300 participants from various institutions.

Finally, the series of guest professor activities that have been carried out are activities that will increase the international activities of PS TIN so that lecturers/researchers can interact with renowned and superior professors. Thus, it can improve academic life, competence, quality and contribution to the development of science and technology and strengthening the innovation system. Of course, this visiting professor activity contributes to the achievement of IKU 3 and IKU 6 and strengthening QS WUR IPB University.

(Endang Warsiki, July 2024)