Medan (23/04) Regal Springs Indonesia (PT Aqua Farm Nusantara), together with the Faculty of the University of North Sumatra (USU), held a public lecture entitled “Next Wave Leaders: Mastering Aquaculture & Industry Skills” on Wednesday, 22 April 2026 at the Faculty of Agriculture – USU.
This activity is part of the implementation of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) that was signed in 2024, as an effort to encourage synergy between the industrial and academic worlds in developing the aquaculture sector in Indonesia while simultaneously strengthening the synergy between the industrial and academic worlds in producing competent aquaculture experts.
This public lecture was attended by students from various study programs at the Faculty of Agriculture, including Aquatic Resource Management, Agrotechnology, Food Technology, Animal Husbandry, as well as other study programs relevant to the food and aquaculture sector as a strategic sector of national food security.
On that occasion, the President Director of Regal Springs Indonesia, Rudolf Hoeffelman, affirmed that aquaculture is not merely about fish farming, but rather about managing natural resources wisely, maintaining the balance between business growth and environmental responsibility, as well as making decisions that have a long-term impact on communities and ecosystems.
“This is where the importance of honing leadership for the younger generation lies, especially in facing the complexity of the aquaculture industry — particularly fishery cultivation that is increasingly developing and in facing the dynamics of the global market in the future,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture USU, Prof. Dr. Ir. Tavi Supriana, M.S., expressed her appreciation for this collaborative public lecture between Regal Springs Indonesia and the Faculty of Agriculture.
“This collaboration is a concrete form of our commitment to bridging the needs of the academic and industrial worlds. Through this activity, students not only gain theoretical understanding, but also practical insights regarding the challenges and opportunities in the industry, including the importance of adapting to market dynamics, operations, and the application of sustainability standards,” said Prof. Tavi.
The Memorandum of Agreement that serves as the foundation of this activity covers a number of pillars of cooperation, including a knowledge-sharing program, joint research between lecturers and students, internships at Regal Springs Indonesia’s production facilities, as well as periodic mentoring and public lectures. All programs are designed to bridge the gap between the academic curriculum and the real needs of the industry, while simultaneously opening real career pathways for university graduates in the fisheries sector.
This public lecture featured three speakers. Rudolf Hoeffelman as Key Speaker presented the vision and challenges of the global aquaculture industry from the perspective of corporate leadership. Friska S. Saragih S.Si., M.Si, Lake Manager of Regal Springs Indonesia, shared her direct experience in managing responsible tilapia aquaculture operations.
Meanwhile, Adrian Hilman S.T.P., M.Sc., Ph.D., Lecturer of the Bachelor’s Study Program in Food Technology at the Faculty of Agriculture USU, provided an academic perspective on food technology innovation based on fishery products. The course of the discussion was guided by moderator Nursa’adah, S.ST., M.Agr., Lecturer of the Agrotechnology Study Program at the Faculty of Agriculture USU.
Going forward, the collaboration between Regal Springs Indonesia and the University of North Sumatra is hoped to continue and make a real contribution in producing superior talent as well as encouraging the competitiveness of Indonesia’s aquaculture industry at the global level.
