The Faculty of Animal Science Universitas Gadjah Mada (Fapet UGM) once again reaffirmed its growing international presence during the Graduate School Commencement Ceremony held on Thursday (23/4). Beyond celebrating outstanding academic achievements, this year’s ceremony also recognized three high-achieving international students who completed their studies with remarkable accomplishments.
The international graduates included two doctoral graduates from Vietnam: Nguyen Hoang Qui and Nguyen Thi Anh Thu, and one master’s graduate from Tanzania: Mathew Mgogo.
Nguyen Hoang Qui and Nguyen Thi Anh Thu completed their doctoral studies in approximately three years, graduating with a perfect Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.00 and earning honors. Both were recipients of the Faculty of Animal Science International Fellowship Program 2023, which provided full scholarships for their doctoral education at Fapet UGM.
In addition to their academic excellence, both graduates demonstrated strong research productivity through publications in reputable international journals. Nguyen Hoang Qui’s dissertation examined the competitiveness of small-scale pig farmers in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, while Nguyen Thi Anh Thu investigated the impact of biosecurity management on the economic sustainability of smallholder pig farming in the same region.
Reflecting on his academic journey, Nguyen Hoang Qui acknowledged that completing his doctoral studies required perseverance through challenges encountered in the classroom, laboratory, and field research.
“Completing our studies was not easy. However, through perseverance and strong determination, we were finally able to accomplish this journey,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mathew Mgogo completed his master’s degree in just 1.5 years with an impressive GPA of 3.97. His research focused on the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of seven dairy goat breeds in Yogyakarta and Central Java, contributing valuable insights to livestock breeding programs based on local genetic resources.
Mathew shared that studying in Indonesia, particularly at Fapet UGM, enriched him not only academically but also socially and culturally. He appreciated the balance between theoretical instruction and practical learning, as well as the integration of cultural values into academic life, which broadened his perspective as a researcher.
“Living in Indonesia’s diverse society broadened my perspective in interacting and working within a multicultural environment,” he stated.
He also praised the quality of education, the supportive learning environment, and research facilities, including laboratories and the teaching farm, that enabled him to conduct his research effectively.
After graduation, Mathew plans to return to Tanzania to continue serving at the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, focusing on research, training, and extension programs. He intends to apply his expertise in genetics and animal breeding to improve livestock productivity and support evidence-based policymaking in his home country.
Mathew also commended the strong academic support provided by Fapet UGM, citing the professionalism of its lecturers, the responsiveness of its administrative staff, and the welcoming environment that helped international students adapt. He expressed his intention to encourage more international students to pursue their studies at Fapet UGM.
Dean of Fapet UGM, Prof. Ir. Budi Guntoro, S.Pt., M.Sc., Ph.D., IPU., ASEAN Eng., stated that the achievements of these international graduates reflect the faculty’s growing global reputation in animal science education and research.
According to him, the international collaborations fostered through academic programs are expected to make meaningful contributions to the advancement of the livestock sector in various parts of the world.
The graduation ceremony reaffirmed Fapet UGM’s role as a higher education institution that not only produces outstanding graduates at the national level but also nurtures world-class scientists with a global perspective and a meaningful impact on the international community.
Author: Satria
Photo: Media Center Team
Translated by: Merlin Fatika Ramadhani
Original article: https://fapet.ugm.ac.id/tiga-mahasiswa-asing-berprestasi-warnai-wisuda-pascasarjana-fapet-ugm-perkuat-reputasi-global/