UMS Nutrition Alum Wins Research Scholarship to Support Global Elderly Health

Another proud achievement comes from an alumnus of the Nutrition Science Program at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS), Saminur Fauzan, S.Gz, who is currently continuing his Master by Research studies at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). He emphasized that research-based scholarship opportunities remain widely open, but many students are still unaware of these available pathways.

Fauzan shared how he first obtained the opportunity to study through the Master by Research track, or postgraduate study via a research route. “It started when I searched on LinkedIn and found various research-based master’s opportunities. After finding one that matched my field, I applied, went through document screening and an interview. Alhamdulillah, I was accepted,” he explained, Thursday (4/12/2025).

According to him, the Master by Research program offers different advantages compared to coursework-based study commonly found in Indonesia. Students are directly involved in real research projects based on their interests. “The learning process is learning by doing. We focus on what we truly like because we can choose our own research topic,” he added.

In addition, the research pathway also provides a major opportunity to upgrade directly to the doctoral level without completing a full master’s program. “In Malaysia and the UK, you can complete a one-year master’s and then upgrade to a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) for two years. It’s highly prestigious and greatly needed in the professional world,” he said.

Currently, Fauzan is conducting multidisciplinary research on malnutrition sarcopenia syndrome, which affects older adults aged over 60. He is developing an integrated service protocol involving nutritionists, doctors, and physiotherapists to ensure early detection and timely intervention management.

“Until now, malnutrition and sarcopenia have been treated separately. In fact, they are closely related, and if not addressed properly, they can increase mortality risk and prolong hospitalization,” he explained.

Saminur Fauzan (center) during a class at the International Islamic University Malaysia.

The research is expected to yield multiple outcomes, including a patent, two Scopus-indexed articles, and health policy recommendations for the Malaysian Ministry of Health as well as hospital service guidelines. The study is noted as the first in Southeast Asia to investigate this increasingly recognized global health issue.

For Fauzan, his experience as a Graduate Research Assistant has been an immensely valuable professional asset. He even noted that the international industry presents far greater demand for multidisciplinary researchers compared to Indonesia.

“Abroad, graduates of Master by Research and Ph.D programs can enter industry, serve as advisors, chairpersons, or even part of expert teams. This is because many industries there create and develop new innovations,” he explained.

Fauzan holds high hopes for the research he is currently pursuing. Beyond contributing to the health sector in Malaysia, he hopes his findings can be brought back to improve elderly healthcare services in Indonesia.

“The elderly population continues to grow. This research is expected to be applied in various countries, including Indonesia, and even become part of a global consensus,” he said.

As a UMS alumnus, he hopes to continue contributing and bringing pride to the nation. “I hope to provide broad benefits, help shape positive policies for elderly welfare, and become a source of pride for the Indonesian diaspora and fellow UMS alumni,” he concluded.

Writer: Fika Annisa Sholihah

Editor: Maysali Sudarwati

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid