Faculty of Pharmacy Dean Shares Expertise at UGM International Honey Quality and Authenticity Education Programme

The Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Cyberjaya collaborated with the Faculty of Pharmacy at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) to support an international community engagement program focused on honey quality, authenticity, and its biological benefits as a health-promoting natural product. The program was held on 30 April 2026 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, bringing together academics, honey producers, beekeepers, and local communities to enhance scientific literacy and awareness regarding honey standards and adulteration issues.

The initiative, led by Prof. Dr. rer. nat. apt. Nanang Fakhrudin from the Faculty of Pharmacy, UGM, aimed to strengthen the community's understanding of honey characterisation through scientific and practical approaches. Activities included scientific seminars, interactive workshops, laboratory-based discussions, and field visits to local beekeeping communities in Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta. The session was attended by students from the University of Cyberjaya, Malaysia, Vietnam, Yemen and Cambodia.

As an international collaborating institution, the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Cyberjaya, contributed through the participation of Professor Dr. Gan Siew Hua, who delivered a session on honey quality control and authenticity assessment. The collaboration highlighted the importance of international academic partnerships in promoting knowledge transfer, research dissemination, and community empowerment in the field of natural products and public health.

The program also addressed growing concerns regarding honey adulteration and the need for a better understanding of physicochemical parameters, authenticity testing methods, and international quality standards. Participants were introduced to scientific perspectives on honey authentication and the biological properties of honey that contribute to its potential health benefits.

Through this collaboration, both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to advancing research-driven community engagement and strengthening regional cooperation in pharmaceutical sciences and natural product development. The partnership is expected to open further opportunities for collaborative research, academic exchange, and sustainable, community-focused initiatives.