Yogyakarta – The Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, officially opened the 5th International Summer Program (ISP) 2026 on Wednesday (5/8/2026). Themed “Digital Transformation and Scientific Innovation for the Global Halal Ecosystem,” the seven-day program brings together students from diverse countries and academic backgrounds to explore the role of science, technology, and innovation in advancing the global halal ecosystem.
The opening ceremony was attended by university and faculty leaders, lecturers, members of the organizing committee, and international participants. The event began with welcoming remarks from the Vice Dean for Student Affairs, Cooperation, and Alumni of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Ir. Muhammad Taufiq Nuruzzaman, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D., who warmly welcomed all participants and expressed his appreciation for their enthusiasm in joining the program. He emphasized that the International Summer Program serves not only as an academic forum but also as a platform for strengthening intercultural understanding, fostering international collaboration, and building global networks among students from diverse backgrounds.
The program was officially opened by the Rector of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, Prof. H. Noorhaidi Hasan, S.Ag., M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D., who reaffirmed the university's commitment to strengthening international academic engagement and expanding global partnerships through collaborative educational initiatives. He also encouraged participants to actively engage in academic discussions, practical learning experiences, and cultural exchange throughout the program.
The ISP 2026 is designed as an interdisciplinary academic platform addressing developments in the global halal ecosystem. The program explores how technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, big data, and biotechnology contribute to halal authentication, certification, product development, and sustainability. It also emphasizes scientific approaches to ensuring safety, quality, and ethical standards across the halal value chain.
This year's program welcomes 28 participants from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Malawi, Yemen, Gambia, Nigeria, and Indonesia. The seven-day program, held from 5 to 11 August 2026, combines expert lectures, laboratory sessions, group discussions, presentations, individual assignments, field trips, industrial visits, and cultural activities.
The academic program consists of five major modules: Social and Financial Dimensions of the Halal Ecosystem; Next-Generation Technologies in Halal Science: From Biosensors to Artificial Intelligence; Advanced Molecular Diagnostics for Halal Authentication; Advancing the Halal Ecosystem: From Scientific Authentication to Sustainable Governance; and Halal Business Plan Showcase. The modules cover social and financial aspects of the halal ecosystem, emerging technologies, molecular detection, governance and sustainability, and halal business development.
On the first day, participants explored the social and financial dimensions of the global halal ecosystem through a series of interactive sessions. Discussions focused on the importance of building inclusive halal ecosystems through social innovation, as well as the growing role of Islamic finance, digital Sharia finance, and innovative financing mechanisms in supporting the sustainable development of the global halal industry. The day concluded with a group discussion and presentation, during which participants examined the urgency of halal authentication and its significance in meeting the increasing demands of the global market.
The subsequent program will include sessions on analytical chemistry, biosensors, artificial intelligence, blockchain, molecular diagnostics, halal governance, sustainability, and halal business development. Participants will also take part in a hands-on laboratory session on molecular halal detection supported by Elokarsa Laboratory using RT-PCR technology. Field activities will include visits to Agradaya, a halal food industry producing Bakpia, and Malioboro.
The program will conclude with the Final Pitch: Halal Business Plan Showcase, where participants will present their group projects, followed by a closing ceremony and recognition of outstanding participants and teams. ISP 2026 also contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Quality Education (SDG 4), Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).
Through the 5th International Summer Program, the Faculty of Science and Technology of UIN Sunan Kalijaga continues to strengthen its international academic engagement and interdisciplinary approach to education. By bringing together students from different countries through academic learning, practical activities, industry exposure, and cultural exchange, the program provides valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange and international collaboration in science, technology, and the global halal ecosystem.