Universiti Muhammadiyah Malaysia (UMAM) held a two-day Pre-PhD Coaching Program at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) on Monday–Tuesday (August 4–5), in the UMSU Meeting Hall, Jalan Muchtar Basri No. 3, Medan. The sessions featured distinguished lecturers Prof. Dr. Rushami Zien Yusoff and Assoc. Prof. Dwi Santoso as keynote speakers.
The program, attended by lecturers from UMSU and other universities, was designed to strengthen academic and research quality. Discussions focused on critical topics such as developing research proposals, global perspectives on scientific research scholarships, selecting journals based on ranking indices, and the importance of integrity and social impact in research.
The event was officially opened by UMSU Rector, Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, represented by Dr. Bahril Datuk S., SE., M.M., from the University Board of Trustees. In his remarks, he expressed appreciation for the participants and resource persons.
“Thank you to the professors from UMAM for leading this Pre-PhD Coaching. This program highlights proposal writing, global insights into research scholarships, and building international academic networks. We hope this initiative brings real benefits, especially in producing high-quality publications,” said Dr. Bahril.
He also emphasized the importance of choosing journals wisely based on indexed rankings and maintaining research integrity.
“There are several journal categories that determine the credibility and impact of research. We hope this motivates our lecturers to produce reputable and ethical publications that bring meaningful contributions to society,” he added.
Prof. Husaini from UMAM also commended UMSU for hosting the program.
“Thank you to UMSU for being the host. Integrity in research is crucial. In Malaysia, nearly 90% of university lecturers hold a PhD. Opportunities like this are invaluable for sharing knowledge and experience. God willing, there will be many areas we can discuss and develop together,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, Assoc. Prof. Santoso provided practical guidance and encouragement to participants preparing their PhD proposals.
“Over the next one to two days, we will equip you with the skills to draft a PhD proposal. For those still unsure, don’t worry—we’ll walk through the process step by step. We’ll also share information about doctoral scholarship opportunities,” explained Dr. Santoso.
The program continued with an exchange of souvenirs, group photos, and a session on PhD Preparation Strategies.
Beyond technical training, the event also served as a strategic platform to foster sustainable international academic networks.
