Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) Rector Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd., officially sent off 26 selected administrative staff members to participate in an international leadership training program at the Academy of Leadership in Higher Education (AKEPT) in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. The send-off ceremony was held on Monday (August 31) in the third-floor meeting room at UMSU’s campus on Jalan 
Muchtar Basri No. 3, Medan.
The staff members will attend the two-day training program on September 2–3, 2026. The program aims to strengthen human resource capacity through international learning opportunities. AKEPT’s program is considered strategically important as it provides leadership experience and insights from an international perspective.
Before departure, the participants completed a seven-day English-language public speaking preparation program organized by UMSU’s Language Center.
During the ceremony, UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd., said he would attend the closing ceremony and expressed hope that all participants would make the most of the program.
Meanwhile, UMSU Vice Rector for Resources and Finance Prof. Dr. Muhammad Qorib, M.A., emphasized that staff participation in the program should not only support individual capacity development but also align with Muhammadiyah’s ideological values.
“The Rector consistently reminds us of Muhammadiyah’s ideological values. Whatever academic activities UMSU undertakes, their ultimate purpose is to advance Muhammadiyah’s mission of Islamic outreach,” he said.
He noted that two key priorities discussed in the lead-up to the Muhammadiyah Congress in Solo closely align with UMSU’s development agenda: digitalization and internationalization.
He also highlighted the strategic importance of the AKEPT program, explaining that the selected participants had demonstrated the capabilities and potential needed for further development.
“In line with UMSU’s Strategic Plan, this program serves as a key pillar of our internationalization efforts,” he added.
Furthermore, participants are expected to understand the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure that every program and task they undertake has clear objectives and measurable targets.
“You are delegates representing Indonesia, Muhammadiyah, and UMSU. Make the most of this opportunity, study the experience in depth, and recognize that this is an opportunity for international recognition,” he said.
Also attending the ceremony were Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Alumni Assoc. Prof. Dr. Faisal, M.Hum., heads of study programs, university units and institutions, and the training participants.
