Banda Aceh, 22 Aug 2025 – In a spirit of gratitude, the Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) at Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) congratulated all graduates of the May–July 2025 period. He emphasized that their success was the result of perseverance, the prayers of parents, and the guidance of lecturers. According to him, graduation should serve as a stepping stone to greater achievements, bringing benefits and positive impact to society, the nation, and religion.
For the 2025–2029 development period, FMIPA USK is focusing on realizing its vision of Strengthening Asian Competitiveness. One major initiative is the submission of international ASIIN accreditation for 11 study programs, both undergraduate and postgraduate, by the end of 2025. These include programs in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Informatics, Artificial Intelligence, and Statistics. “This international accreditation will be global recognition that FMIPA’s education quality is on par with world standards. It will also open wider opportunities for graduates to pursue higher studies and careers abroad,” the Dean stated.
Currently, FMIPA is supported by 201 lecturers, including 29 professors (14.43%) and 86 with doctoral qualifications (42.79%). The faculty has produced 7,878 alumni, with 303 students graduating in this period alone. Of the 16 existing study programs, 68.75% are accredited “Excellent,” four are rated “Very Good,” while the newly established Master of Statistics program currently holds minimum accreditation.
The Dean also reminded graduates that their journey does not end at graduation. The job market, he noted, is undergoing a massive transformation driven by rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Citing a McKinsey Global Institute report (2023), he explained that in the coming decade many traditional jobs will disappear due to automation, while new opportunities will emerge requiring creativity, adaptability, and strong technological literacy.
Although Generation Z is often perceived as spoiled, unmotivated, and weak in communication, the Dean expressed confidence that FMIPA graduates will prove otherwise. He even quoted the words of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “The best of people are those who bring the most benefit to others.”
In his address, the Dean also outlined FMIPA’s ongoing efforts, including enhancing education quality through accreditation, encouraging students to participate in student mobility and research internship programs, and fostering innovation. This September and October, more than 25 FMIPA students are scheduled to take part in student mobility programs at Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
Concluding his speech, the Dean urged graduates to apply their knowledge with confidence and integrity, while upholding the good name of their alma mater. “Be resilient graduates, dedicated and ready to face global changes. The world is waiting for your meaningful contributions,” he said.
The initiatives and achievements of FMIPA USK are aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
- SDG 4: Quality Education – through international accreditation and improved learning standards.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – by preparing graduates for the evolving job market driven by AI and digital transformation.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – through research, innovation, and technological literacy.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – by fostering international collaboration with universities in Malaysia and beyond.
