The Faculty of Islamic Studies (FAI) of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) sent 126 students to participate in the International Community Service Program (KKNI) across four countries: Malaysia, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. The students were officially sent off by UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd., represented by Vice Rector for Resources and Finance, on Monday (July 27) at the FAI 
Auditorium on Jalan Muchtar Basri No. 3, Medan.
UMSU Vice Rector for Resources and Finance, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Qorib, M.A., expressed his appreciation for the Faculty of Islamic Studies’ continued efforts to expand its international network.
“Under the leadership of the Dean, this year’s KKNI program has successfully reached Egypt. This is an outstanding achievement,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of foreign-language proficiency, particularly English and Arabic, as part of UMSU’s efforts to establish itself as a university that creates meaningful impact on the global stage.
The Vice Rector for Resources and Finance also outlined four key principles emphasized by the Rector that students should uphold while carrying out community service activities abroad.
“First is a sense of belonging. Students must have a strong sense of belonging because they are representing UMSU. Second is a sense of responsibility. Third is a sense of collaboration, as this program is made possible through cooperation between UMSU and various institutions in the four countries. Fourth is a sense of innovation, which means being able to develop new ideas and think creatively,” he explained.
He added that the KKNI experience is not merely an opportunity to serve communities but also a platform for cultural exchange that can broaden students’ perspectives.
“Students will experience cultural exchange and gain a deeper understanding of other cultures. We hope this KKNI program will create meaningful impact, benefiting the communities where students serve while simultaneously strengthening UMSU’s international presence,” he said.
Previously, Dean of FAI UMSU, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zailani, emphasized that internationalization has become an identity and defining feature of the Faculty of Islamic Studies at UMSU. According to him, FAI continues to develop international programs that provide students with valuable global experiences.
The number of KKNI participants has also increased compared with the previous year. Students participating in the program in Malaysia will receive three months of training and have the opportunity to obtain international certificates from Open University Malaysia (OUM), one of UMSU’s institutional partners.
Head of Bumrungsuksa Islamic Boarding School in Thailand, Hawari Lambersah, M.Ed., expressed his pleasure at visiting UMSU to share experiences and strengthen the longstanding partnership between the two institutions.
According to him, the relationship between Bumrungsuksa Islamic Boarding School in Thailand and UMSU has been established for many years. Several graduates of the school have even continued their higher education at UMSU through scholarship programs.
“This is evidence of the strong collaboration and partnership between our school and UMSU,” he said.
He explained that many UMSU students are currently placed at schools and educational institutions in Thailand through the partnership network that has been established. Of the four universities involved as partners, UMSU is among those receiving priority, particularly through its Tarbiyah Study Program.
The send-off ceremony was marked by the symbolic presentation of KKNI attributes to the students by the Vice Rector and Dean of FAI, followed by a group photo with university leaders, speakers, and all participating students.
