Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Mr. Prapan Disyatat, visited the campus of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara and met directly with students from the country, Monday (11/12) at UMSU, Muchtar Basri Street No.3 Medan.
The arrival of the Ambassador was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Rutchanee Uerpairojkit, Honorary Consul, Dr. Ir. Martono Anggusti, S.H., M.M., M.HUM, Ambassador Second Secretary, Mr. Wiwat Tiengtham and a number of staff.
The Ambassador’s presence at UMSU was welcomed directly by the UMSU Rector, Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, Vice Rector I, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Arifin, MHum, WR II, and Prof. Dr. Akrim MPd. Attending the Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Religion, Dr. Muhammad Qorib, MA and Rafieqah Nalar Rizky (OIC chairman).
The presence of the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand and his entourage began with a friendly talk and discussion session in the rector’s office. On that occasion, UMSU Rector, Prof.Dr. Agussani explained about the campus internationalization program and the presence of international students.
“There are 63 students from several countries who receive higher education at UMSU until 2023. Among these students come from Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, and Yemen. Most come from Thailand, “he said.
Student flats are available for international students, and an international student guest house has also been built, which is still in the building repair stage. “The existence of this guest house is a supporting facility to accommodate the presence of guest lecturers from abroad and foreign students,” he said.
UMSU also makes programs in the context of internationalization, including student mobility programs in the form of international KKN and student exchanges. For this reason, some students pass government and independent programs.
Regarding International KKN, the Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Religion, Dr. Muhammad Qorib, MA, explained that his party sent many students to carry out KKN in Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and Saudi Arabia. The KKN program in Thailand is one of the most followed by students.
Responding to UMSU’s various internationalization programs, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand, H.E. Mr. Prapan Disyatat, appreciated and was grateful for providing opportunities for Thai citizens to study and learn Indonesian.
“Thank you to the Rector of UMSU for providing scholarship support and academic comfort to Thai students,” he said in translated English.
The Ambassador welcomed and supported the cooperation that UMSU has fostered with several universities in Thailand. He hopes that the collaboration that has been built can be further enhanced.
After the hospitality, the event continued with a dinner with several students from Thailand, the UMSU Daily Board of Trustees, the deans, and the management of the UMSU Office of International Affairs and BIPA.
The event, enlivened by dance performances from UMSU Dance and Arts UKM and Surya Suara UMSU Band, was marked by an exchange of souvenirs. The Ambassador also took the time to talk directly with students from Thailand while providing motivation.
