Students of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK), have once again achieved an outstanding international accomplishment at the International Student Competition, held in collaboration with the Centre of Entrepreneurial Development and Graduate Marketability (CEM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). The competition was part of the 2nd International Student Summit, which took place in Malaysia on February 14–15, 2026, bringing together students from various countries to present innovative ideas and research-based solutions to global challenges.
At this prestigious international forum, the USK delegation successfully secured a Bronze Medal and the Best Poster Award, further demonstrating the academic excellence and global competitiveness of FMIPA-USK students.
The Bronze Medal was awarded to a multidisciplinary team consisting of Maya Sirrurrifka (Pharmacy) as Team Leader, Zulharatun Nafis (Pharmacy), Sheryl Talitha Uma (Pharmacy), Rafqa Dhevriansari (Informatics), and Ariel Khairawan (Informatics). The team presented an essay entitled “MERS AS A QUIET GUARDIAN: A Deep Analysis of a Digital System that Leads Individuals from Crisis to Clarity.”
Their work offers an in-depth analysis of an innovative digital system designed to guide individuals through crisis situations in a structured, data-driven manner toward clarity in decision-making. By integrating pharmaceutical sciences particularly in health and individual well-being with informatics expertise in digital system development, the team delivered a comprehensive and forward-looking solution relevant to the challenges of the digital era.
Meanwhile, the Best Poster Award was earned by another outstanding team consisting of Ahlul Mursyidi (Biology), Hijrah Satria (Chemical Engineering), M. Raziqin Akeza (Law), and Mohd. Farrel Alharits (Nursing Science). The team was recognized for presenting a visually compelling, systematic, and highly communicative poster that effectively conveyed their research ideas to the international jury panel and participants. The award highlights not only the strength of their scientific content but also their excellence in academic communication and presentation.
This achievement was made possible through strong institutional support from Universitas Syiah Kuala, particularly funding assistance provided by the Directorate of Student Affairs and Entrepreneurship, under the coordination of the Vice Rector III of USK, Prof. Dr. Mustanir, M.Sc. The university’s financial and institutional backing reflects its strong commitment to encouraging students to actively participate and excel in international competitions.
The Dean of FMIPA, Prof. Dr. Taufik Fuadi Abidin, S.Si., M.Tech., expressed his pride and appreciation for the students’ accomplishments. He emphasized that this achievement marks an important milestone for FMIPA’s international performance in 2026, following FMIPA’s success in obtaining the highest achievement score at the university level in 2025.
“This is an important first step in FMIPA’s international achievements in 2026. After securing the highest achievement score at the university level in 2025, we are optimistic that this positive trend will continue. This accomplishment demonstrates that FMIPA students possess strong quality, creativity, and global competitiveness. Cross-disciplinary collaboration remains the key foundation for producing relevant and impactful innovations,” he stated.
Winning the Bronze Medal and Best Poster Award at this prestigious international event not only brings pride to the students and faculty but also enhances the international reputation of Universitas Syiah Kuala. The achievement stands as clear evidence that through hard work, collaboration, and strong institutional support, FMIPA-USK students are capable of competing on the world stage and bringing honor to their university.
