The Falak Science Observatory (OIF) of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) embarked on its OIF Worldwide-2 initiative. The OIF UMSU Team in Malaysia executed this expansive internationalization venture from Saturday to Monday, December 16-18, 2023.
This endeavor encompassed various activities, beginning with visits to Petrosains and culminating in the formalization of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between two prestigious institutions in Melaka, Malaysia: Persatuan Falak Syarie Negeri Melaka (PFSNM) and Balai Cerap Ulul Albab Observatory.
Before the signing of the MoA between OIF UMSU, PFSNM, and Cerap Ulul Albab Observatory, Dr. Kassim Bahali, Director of Cerap Ulul Albab Hall, provided insights into the Cerap Ulul Albab Hall’s profile. Subsequently, Dr. Arwin Juli Rakhmadi Butar-Butar, MA, Head of OIF UMSU, outlined the vision, mission, and opportunities for international collaboration with OIF UMSU. The event concluded with the formal signing of the MoA and the exchange of tokens such as certificates and books.
During an interview with the OIF UMSU Team, Dr. Kassim Bahali expressed hope for a collaboration in Falak Science between OIF UMSU, PFSNM, and Cerap Ulul Albab Hall in Malaysia and Indonesia. “On Monday, 5 Jumadil Akhir 1445 H, corresponding to December 18, 2023, with the agreement between OIF UMSU, PFSNM, and Cerap Ulul Albab Hall sealed, we aim to progress in establishing collaborative efforts in the field of Falak Science in Malaysia and Indonesia,” he stated.
Apart from the MoA signings, the UMSU OIF Team visited Petrosains in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This visit was instrumental in seeking innovative ideas and insights to enhance OIF’s current and future operations. Given OIF UMSU’s role as an educational beacon in Medan City and across Sumatra, this visit was pivotal in garnering fresh perspectives and technological advancements in astronomy.
The excursion to Petrosains promised invaluable takeaways, enabling the team responsible for OIF UMSU to embrace novel concepts and inspirations linked to astronomy and cutting-edge technology.