Kuala Lumpur – Syiah Kuala University (USK) continues to strengthen its international collaboration through the Student Mobility Program held at Universiti Malaya (UM), Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
Universiti Malaya, which currently ranks 58th in the QS World University Rankings, is recognized as one of Asia’s most prestigious higher education institutions. The collaboration between USK and UM marks a significant milestone in promoting international exposure and academic excellence for students from both universities.
The Student Mobility Program aims to provide a valuable platform for academic learning, cross-cultural collaboration, and global experience. It enables students to engage directly with international academic communities and gain insight into new perspectives that broaden their educational and personal growth.
As part of this agenda, a Letter of Intent (LOI) was officially signed, symbolizing the shared commitment of both institutions to enhance educational cooperation. This was followed by the Implementation of Arrangement (IA), which outlines concrete steps for future collaboration between USK and UM.
In addition to formal agreements, the program also included a presentation of the activity report, reflecting the achievements and future plans for joint academic development. This initiative reinforces the strong partnership that continues to evolve between the two universities.
During the academic sessions, USK students participated in lectures on Basic Mapping, an essential component in the field of geography and environmental sciences. The lectures introduced fundamental concepts of spatial analysis, mapping techniques, and their applications in modern research.
Through this learning experience, students gained hands-on understanding of how mapping supports decision-making processes in sustainable development, disaster management, and regional planning. Such exposure is expected to strengthen their competence in addressing real-world challenges through data-driven solutions.
The USK delegation received a warm welcome from Datuk Professor Dr. Danny Wong Tze Ken, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, who emphasized the importance of continuous collaboration between Malaysia and Indonesia in advancing education and research.
He was accompanied by Associate Professor Dr. Mariney Mohd Yusoff, Head of Department of Geography, Professor Dr. Rosmadi Fauzi, and Datuk Associate Professor Dr. Zulkanain Abdul Rahman, Deputy Dean for Student Affairs. Their participation reflected UM’s strong support for academic partnerships and regional academic integration.
The meeting also became an opportunity to discuss potential areas for future cooperation, such as joint research, student and lecturer exchanges, and collaborative workshops. These initiatives are aligned with the vision of both institutions to create a global learning ecosystem that fosters innovation and sustainability.
Notably, this visit also served as a reciprocal program, following the earlier visit of Geography students from Universiti Malaya (UM) to Syiah Kuala University (USK). The mutual exchange symbolizes the growing synergy between both universities in building a sustainable and mutually beneficial partnership.
Beyond academic benefits, the mobility program also played a crucial role in promoting cultural diplomacy. USK students had the opportunity to interact closely with their Malaysian counterparts, exchanging ideas, traditions, and cultural values that deepen regional understanding.
This interaction not only strengthens academic ties but also fosters the spirit of ASEAN unity where collaboration and cultural exchange are key pillars of educational progress in Southeast Asia.
Overall, this program underscores USK’s commitment to enhancing global academic engagement, developing international competencies, and nurturing future leaders who are globally minded yet locally grounded.
The initiative aligns strongly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education), which promotes inclusive and equitable education, and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), which emphasizes international cooperation as a foundation for sustainable progress.
