UNAIR NEWS – Seven students of Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) have won a gold medal in an international competition. They are Sulthan Fathi Nur Alauddin, Muhammad Anang Jazuli, Firman Hidayat, Aqilla Ayu Cahyani, Shifa Salsa Bila, Dewi Sita Agustin Choiriah, and Siti Khofsoh Ratu Perwira Negara.

They won a gold medal at the 2023 World Youth International Exhibition (WYIE) on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center, Malaysia. Carrying out the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) issue, this year WYIE managed to attract more than 500 participants worldwide.

Edible coating from food waste

Sulthan Fathi Nur Alauddin representing the team said they had an idea for a product called Chitostar, an edible coating for fruits and vegetables. The product is made of shrimp shell waste and cassava peels, extracted to become chitosan and starch. After going through this process, the two wastes can be used as coatings for fruits and vegetables that are safe for consumption.

“The idea started from the team’s concern for environmental issues, especially the abundance of food waste. Hopefully, the optimization of food products can increase, from harvesting to consumption. Thus, environmental sustainability can be maintained for generations to come,” he explained.

The man known better as Fatih continued that their products have several advantages over other edible coating products. These advantages include being consumed directly, reducing dehydration in fruits or vegetables, preventing excessive gas exchange or oxidation, maintaining the appearance and texture of food, and being made of organic ingredients.

Competition challenges and tips

Then, Fatih said that participating in international competitions is not something easy. According to him, international activities require excellent English skills. Realizing this, she and his team tried to prepare the capital from the start to be ready to compete.

“It will be difficult if we are overwhelmed with many visitors with different languages and accents. So, preparing a text, script templates, or questions and answers is a good idea. Moreover, don’t forget to get lots of practice,” said the environmental engineering student.

He did not forget to share tips with other students who want to participate in international competitions. First, have an optimistic attitude and build a winning mindset from an early age. Second, have a supportive environment, both friends and organizations.

Third, seek as much information as possible about the international competition. Finally, ask questions and consult with colleagues who understand similar activities. (*)

Author: Rafli Noer Khairam

Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia

Source : unair.ac.id/en/processing-food-waste-unair-team-wins-gold-medal