Universiti Malaysia Terengganu Students Deepen Coffee Science with CircularTrace Principal Researcher from UNEJ

CircularTrace, through its collaboration with the University of Jember (UNEJ), continues to strengthen international research and educational partnerships in the field of coffee science and sustainable agriculture. As part of this initiative, UNEJ welcomed a delegation of 20 students from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) participating in the International Outbound Program during December 2025.

The activity was led by CircularTrace Principal Researcher, Dr. Asmak Afriliana, who provided intensive practical training and scientific learning sessions focused on coffee science and processing technology. The program was designed to combine laboratory experience with a deeper understanding of coffee as one of Indonesia’s strategic agricultural commodities.

During the program, UMT students explored several important aspects of the coffee value chain. The participants received training in roasting techniques to understand roasting profiles and optimize flavor development in coffee beans. Students also conducted caffeine analysis using laboratory-based methods to accurately measure caffeine content and support product quality and food safety standards.

In addition, the participants joined cupping test sessions to evaluate coffee aroma, flavor, body, acidity, and aftertaste according to international sensory evaluation standards. These activities provided students with both theoretical understanding and practical skills related to specialty coffee assessment and processing.

Dr. Asmak Afriliana explained that the program was designed not only as an academic visit but also as a structured research-based knowledge transfer initiative. Through CircularTrace, students are encouraged to understand that coffee represents a complex scientific field involving chemical transformations, processing technology, quality control, and sustainability principles.

The activity represents a concrete implementation of international collaboration between Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) and the University of Jember (UNEJ). The partnership is expected to strengthen bilateral academic relationships while improving student competencies in food technology, coffee science, and sustainable agriculture across the ASEAN region.