The Faculty of Science and Technology, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, proudly organized the 4th International Summer Program (ISP) on 12–18 August in a hybrid format. Themed “Halal Lifestyle for a Better Future: Ethics, Innovation, and Global Impact,” this annual program brought together students, academics, and practitioners to explore halal from interdisciplinary and global perspectives. This year’s ISP welcomed 27 participants, including 8 international students from Nigeria, Pakistan, Senegal, Madagascar, Thailand, and the Philippines. Their participation created a vibrant multicultural learning environment, enriching discussions and collaborative projects.

The program opened with remarks from Prof. Dr. Khurul Wardati (Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology) and Prof. H. Noorhaidi Hasan, S.Ag., M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D. (Rector of UIN Sunan Kalijaga), who officially inaugurated the event. Following the explanation on several instructions and assignments for participant such as individual and group assignments.

To ensure a rich learning experience, the ISP offered eight core modules with 12 sub-modules that addressed halal ethics, global challenges, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, finance, and innovation. Sessions were interactive, combining lectures, Q&A, and group discussions. The laboratory practices conducted to introduce participants with the technique for halal and non halal contain detection on food using advance molecular biology technique.

The academic depth of the program was strengthened by 12 invited speakers from Indonesia and abroad, including from International Experts for instance Dr. Orawit Booncham (Halal Institute, PSU Thailand), James Leroy Chambers (US Halal Foundation) and Dr. Muhammad Suhaimi bin Sulong (Director, Institut Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah, UTHM Malaysia). Meanwhile several internal academics and Practitioners were also invited, Dr. Imelda Fajriati, Prof. Dr. Fathorrahman, Ambar Sari Dewi, Ph.D., Prof. Dr. Apt. Abdul Rohman, Dr. Abdul Qoyum, Dr. Ir. Yandra Rahadian Perdana., Maria Ulfah Siregar, Ph.D., Gunawan Priyambodo (Research Center for Leather, Yogyakarta), and Rico Wibisono, S.Pi (CEO, FIStx).

Additionally, participants joined hands-on sessions on halal detection using RT-PCR, guided by Elokarsa Laboratory, enhancing their technical skills in molecular halal verification. Beyond classroom learning, the ISP offered field visits to halal-related industries and cultural sites. Highlights included a visit to PT Naturindo Fresh, a traditional herbal company, and Bakpia Joewara, a halal food industry, allowing participants to witness real-world halal applications. Cultural exchange sessions, including participation in Indonesia’s Independence Day ceremony, strengthened bonds among local and international students. Through the event, participants not only deepened their understanding of halal as a sustainable and ethical lifestyle but also built international academic networks.