My name is Syubbanul Wathon, a lecturer and researcher in the Biology Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Jember, Indonesia. My academic journey has been shaped by a strong foundation in biotechnology, beginning with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and continuing with a Master’s degree in Biotechnology. These formative years cultivated my interest in understanding life at the molecular level and motivated me to pursue scientific research that bridges fundamental knowledge and real-world applications. Currently, I am completing my Ph.D. at the Program of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Integrated Life Sciences, Hiroshima University, Japan, where I continue to refine my research skills and broaden my international academic perspective.

In my home country, I am actively involved in academic activities as a lecturer and researcher at Universitas Jember. My research activity related to the biotechnology, bioinformatics, biochemistry, immunology, and vector biology. This interdisciplinary approach reflects my commitment to integrating basic science, computational analysis, and applied research to address health issues relevant to tropical regions.

A pivotal moment in my academic development occurred in 2018, when I participated in the Sakura Science Program (SSP) program at Hiroshima University. This program provided my first immersive exposure to Japan’s research activities and advanced technology for sciences. Through direct mentorship from professors, hands-on laboratory work, and active engagement in research discussions, SSP significantly deepened my interest in biotechnology, particularly in proteomics-based approaches for infectious and degenerative diseases research. The experience helped me recognize the critical role of protein-level analysis in unraveling diseases mechanisms and developing more precise diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

At present, my research interests focus on medical biotechnology, with an emphasis on applying proteomics and related technologies to infectious and degenerative diseases.　Looking ahead, my future plan after participating in SSP is to further develop my expertise in medical biotechnology to contribute to solving diseases-related problems in Indonesia, such as dengue, malaria and cancer. Indonesia continues to face major challenges in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment the diseases. I strongly believe that strengthening research capacity and international collaboration is essential to addressing these challenges. Through the Sakura Science Club (SSC) consortium, I actively seek opportunities to collaborate in biotechnology and across interdisciplinary fields with researchers from diverse institutions, fostering knowledge exchange and innovation.

SSP has had a profound impact on my academic and personal growth. SSP not only enriched my scientific knowledge and technical skills, but also encouraged me to learn directly alongside professors at Japanese universities and to conduct research ranging from field sampling to laboratory experiments using state-of-the-art technologies. Moreover, the program introduced me to Japan’s educational system, language, and culture, all of which left a lasting impression. The highly supportive and disciplined academic atmosphere in Japan has inspired me to pursue research with rigor, integrity, and global relevance. Through SSP, I have come to view science as a powerful, collaborative endeavor capable of addressing complex health challenges and improving human welfare.