Bogor, Indonesia – 17 July 2026 — SEAMEO BIOTROP officially launched its English Short Course in collaboration with Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) on Friday, 17 July 2026. The online opening session and programme orientation were attended by 38 staff members from across the Centre.

The programme aims to strengthen participants' English communication skills for workplace interactions and international academic activities. As a regional centre, SEAMEO BIOTROP works closely with researchers, universities, government agencies, and partner institutions across Southeast Asia and beyond, making English an essential tool for communication and collaboration.

Opening the programme, Edi Santosa, Director of SEAMEO BIOTROP, encouraged participants to make the most of the opportunity to improve their English skills.

"As a regional academic institution, SEAMEO BIOTROP must continuously strengthen the English proficiency of its staff so they can communicate more confidently and professionally, both in their work and in daily conversations with regional and international partners," he said.

Representing UNY, Tri Wahyuni Floriasti introduced the course objectives, syllabus, learning methods, assessment system, and expected outcomes. She explained that the programme uses a flipped classroom approach, allowing participants to study videos and learning materials independently before each class. Classroom sessions are then dedicated to discussions, practical exercises, collaborative activities, and feedback from instructors.

The course covers a range of topics commonly encountered in professional settings, including workplace communication, welcoming visitors, telephone conversations, meetings, presentations, and technical communication. Instruction is provided by Tri Wahyuni Floriasti, Nila Kurnia Sari, Ella Wulandari, and Binar Winantaka from UNY.

During the orientation, participants were also introduced to Glacier, the online learning platform that will support the programme. Through the platform, they can access learning materials, complete assignments, participate in learning activities, and monitor their progress throughout the course.

Classes will continue over the coming weeks through a combination of independent online learning and interactive sessions, giving participants regular opportunities to practise English in professional and academic contexts.