Banda Aceh, December 17, 2024 – The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) of Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) conducted an academic visit to Universiti Malaya (UM), Malaysia, on December 17, 2024. The visit aimed to explore inter-university relationships and realize various international collaboration opportunities in education, research, and academic mobility.
Warm Welcome at Universiti Malaya
The FMIPA USK delegation, led by Dean Prof. Dr. Taufik Fuadi Abidin, S.Si, M.Tech, and accompanied by Vice Dean for Student Affairs, Alumni, and Collaboration, Dr. Ir. Wira Dharma, S.Si, M.Si, M.P, received a warm welcome from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ghufran Redzwan, Deputy Dean for Student Affairs, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, along with his team.
Communication and coordination with the Faculty of Science at UM also involved Faculty Manager Puan Siti Salwa Md Padzil, who contributed to the technical discussions on implementing mobility and joint research programs. “We warmly welcome the opportunity to collaborate with USK. This partnership not only enhances inter-university relations but also fosters synergy in education and research,” said Puan Siti Salwa Md Padzil.
Preliminary Agreements and Follow-Up Plans
The meeting resulted in an agreement to continue discussions through virtual meetings to ensure proper steps for implementing the points of collaboration, which include:
- Joint Research: Multidisciplinary collaboration to address global challenges in science and technology.
- Faculty and Student Mobility: Exchange programs to enrich the international experience of academics and students.
- Joint Seminars: Conducting international seminars and conferences to expand academic networks.
USK Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Marwan emphasized the importance of promptly realizing the agreed commitments. “I urge all agreements to be immediately implemented with concrete steps. This collaboration with Universiti Malaya is a great opportunity to enhance USK’s international competitiveness and make broader contributions globally,” he said.
Additionally, Prof. Dr. Taufik Fuadi Abidin invited the Faculty of Science at Universiti Malaya to conduct a reciprocal visit to USK. “This visit can serve as a momentum to strengthen the relationship between the two institutions and expand the scope of collaboration in the future,” he stated.
The event concluded with an exchange of souvenirs and a group photo as a symbol of friendship.
Visit to the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
In addition to the formal meeting with the Faculty of Science, the FMIPA USK delegation also conducted an informal visit to the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Universiti Malaya. The delegation was warmly received by Professor Dr. Rosmadi Fauzi and Dr. Tengku Adeline Adura Tengku Hamzah, Head of the Department of Geography.
This visit was a reciprocal event following a prior visit by the Department of Geography at Universiti Malaya to USK. During the meeting, both parties agreed to strengthen collaboration through joint research, co-publications, faculty and student mobility, and field visit programs. “We are very excited to bring our students to USK for a field visit planned for May 2025,” said Dr. Tengku Adeline Adura.
Strategic Benefits of International Collaboration
This visit marks an important step for FMIPA USK in strengthening international networks, particularly with higher education institutions in Southeast Asia. The collaboration is expected to promote innovation, enhance educational quality, and provide significant benefits to society.
“Through this collaboration, we hope to create tangible solutions to various global challenges in science, social issues, and the environment,” said Prof. Dr. Taufik Fuadi Abidin.
Future Plans
As a follow-up to this visit, USK and UM will soon hold virtual meetings to formulate a detailed collaboration agenda. Additionally, UM plans to send delegations of students and faculty to USK shortly as part of the academic mobility program.
Symbol of Friendship
The visit concluded with a spirit of camaraderie and a symbolic exchange of souvenirs between the two institutions. This gesture reflects the sincere intention of both parties to continue working together in ways that deliver positive impacts globally.
