Bangi, Malaysia – The Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), officially welcomed 30 delegates from Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) as part of the Student Mobility Program. This initiative aims to strengthen academic, research, and student exchange collaborations between two leading universities in the ASEAN region.
The USK delegation was led by Prof. Dr. Taufik Fuadi Abidin, S.Si., M.Tech., Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), accompanied by Dr. Ir. Wira Dharma, S.Si., M.Si., M.P., Vice Dean for Student Affairs, Alumni, and Partnerships.
The delegates were officially received by Prof. ChM. Dr. Ishak Bin Ahmad, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology UKM, along with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Munir Abd Murad, Deputy Dean (Graduate Affairs), Prof. Dr. Salmah Yaakop, Deputy Dean (Research and Innovation), and Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Hariri Arifin, Deputy Dean (Industry and Community Relations).
Also in attendance were several heads of departments, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Hafizuddin Jumali (Department of Applied Physics), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nazlina Ibrahim (Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology), Prof. Dr. Mohd Talib Latif (Department of Earth Sciences and Environment), Prof. Dr. Anuar Mohd Ishak (Department of Mathematical Sciences), and representatives from the Departments of Chemistry and Food Science.
In a warm and collaborative atmosphere, both sides discussed broader opportunities for academic and research cooperation, as well as strategies to strengthen international student exchange networks.
As part of the visit, a Letter of Intent (LoI) and an Implementation Arrangement (IA) were signed between FMIPA USK and FST UKM, representing their joint commitment to enhancing cross-institutional collaboration.
The USK delegation also included Dr. Alia Rizki, S.Si., M.Sc., a lecturer from FMIPA and an alumna of FST UKM, who facilitated communication between the two institutions together with Dr. Nik Norhazrina binti Nik Mohd Kamil, International Relations Coordinator of FST, and Dr. Mohd Asif Mohd Sukri, FST Mobility Coordinator. The event not only strengthened academic ties but also created opportunities for students to broaden their international perspectives and experiences.
As part of the joint academic agenda, the event featured:
- A presentation by FST UKM researcher Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Munir Abd. Murad, introducing ongoing scientific studies and highlighting advances in research and their applications toward sustainable development in Southeast Asia.
- A special lecture by Dr. Akhramsyah Muamar Ubaidah Sanusi, titled “Blue Carbon and Coastal Ecosystem Sustainability”, discussing the importance of coastal ecosystem conservation and the potential of blue carbon in mitigating climate change.
- Academic discussions between FST UKM and FMIPA USK lecturers on potential research collaborations, paving the way for future joint research projects.
In a separate session, both parties held further discussions on future joint research plans covering a range of strategic areas, including palm oil research, geothermal studies, food technology, insect research centers, material electrical properties, patchouli (nilam) studies, biology symposiums, botanical garden mobility programs, botanical research, biotechnology, microbiology, moss studies, and several other related fields. In the near future, an online meeting will be held between relevant departments of both universities to follow up and finalize these collaborative research agendas.
During the session, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Munir Abd Murad, accompanied by Prof. Dr. Salmah Yaakop and Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Hariri Arifin, expressed hope that the signing of the LoI and IA would not remain merely ceremonial but would be realized through productive and sustainable collaborative activities.
“We hope this collaboration will soon produce concrete projects that have a real impact on research development and the academic capacities of both institutions,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Taufik Fuadi Abidin, Dean of FMIPA USK, emphasized that collaboration with UKM marks an important step in strengthening USK’s international network.
“All activities outlined in the IA will bring mutual benefits to both universities and will be systematically reported through detailed activity reports,” he explained.
In the afternoon session, students participated in an introduction to the Center for Insect Systematics (CIS) — one of UKM’s Centers of Excellence, housing one of the largest insect collections in Southeast Asia. The session was led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ng Yong Foo, and attended by CIS researchers including Prof. Dr. Idris Abd. Ghani, Prof. Dr. Salmah Yaakop, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Izfa Riza Hazmi, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wee Suk Ling, Dr. Nurul Wahida Othman, Dr. Johari Jalinas, and Dr. Nadiatur Zulkifli. During this session, students learned about the ecological importance of insects around the world.
On this occasion, the students also presented the Ratoh Jaroe Dance, a traditional Acehnese dance recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is ranked #126 in the QS World University Rankings 2026, making it the second-best university in Malaysia. UKM is renowned as one of Southeast Asia’s leading research universities, contributing significantly to science, technology, and sustainable development.
Through this collaboration, FMIPA USK continues to expand its role as an innovative and globally competitive academic center, supporting Universitas Syiah Kuala’s vision of becoming a World Class University.
This activity also directly contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), through the strengthening of international academic networks and the enhancement of student capacity at the global level.
