The delegation Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University and Universiti Malaya, Malaysia visited the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) BIOTROP on 29 February 2024. This visit marked a beginning of the collaboration across the institutions, aimed at tackling pressing environmental challenges, including the management of invasive alien plant species (IAPS), biodiversity conservation, and sustainable agroecosystem.

From Türkiye, the delegation was Prof. Ahmet Uludag from Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University. His focus on weed science and Invasive alien plant species management in Europe, aligns with global efforts to mitigate the impacts of IAPS management and regulations. Accompanying him was Dr. Muhamad Shakirin Bin Mispan, an Associate Professor from the Institute of Biological Sciences at the Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya. Dr. Shakirin's passion on the research of weedy rice in Malaysia, including recent study for their DNA barcoding and Metabolomics.

Following the productive meeting with the delegation, the SEAMEO BIOTROP community, including its experts, managers, and heads of sections, extended a warm welcome to the visiting academics and professionals, highlighting the importance of international research collaboration and staff exchange in addressing the pressing challenges of biodiversity and environmental conservation.

Dr Soekisman Tjitrosemito (Biotrop Affiliate Scientist) and Dr. Rhomi Ardiansyah (Head of Section EFRM) emphasis on cooperative efforts in conserving biodiversity and enhancing income through sustainable biodiversity management of the region Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, Dr. Rhomi's expertise in the molecular aspects, gives suggestion to expand the collaboration on IAPS DNA barcoding.

The visit concluded with a commitment to further collaboration through training, seminars, internships, and publications. This partnership between SEAMEO BIOTROP and the visiting delegates from Türkiye and Malaysia sets a promising precedent for future international collaborations in the field of tropical biology and environmental conservation, underscoring the critical role of knowledge exchange and joint efforts in addressing global environmental challenges.

In an enriching extension of this visit, Dr. Muhamad Shakirin Bin Mispan, Associate Professor from the Institute of Biological Sciences at the Universiti Malaya, took the opportunity to impart his knowledge and expertise to the future generation of scientists. He conducted a general lecture for the students enrolled in the Certified Internship (MSIB) program at SEAMEO BIOTROP, focusing on the critical and emerging issue of weedy rice. This lecture aimed to shed light on the significance of understanding weedy rice within the context of agricultural biodiversity, pest management, and food security.