Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) welcomed a delegation from the University of Malaya (UM), Malaysia for a Cultural Exchange program and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The event took place on Wednesday (August 13) at the UMSU Auditorium, Jalan Muchtar Basri No. 3, Medan.
In his welcoming remarks, UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, expressed his delight over the visit and the cultural exchange initiative.
He highlighted that as a Muhammadiyah private university, UMSU continues to strengthen its international reputation. He emphasized that UMSU has established partnerships with more than 25 countries, including Malaysia, and has received recognition from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).
“We hope this visit can become an annual agenda between UMSU and the University of Malaya, through cultural studies and discussions. We want this collaboration to be truly implemented, not just written on paper,” said Prof. Agussani.
The Rector also asked for support regarding the construction of UMSU’s fourth campus in Desa Sampali, which will serve as the venue for the Muhammadiyah Congress. “We ask for your prayers, as construction has now reached 21 percent. We also hope UM can help us make the 2027 Muhammadiyah Congress a success,” he added.
The MoU was signed by UMSU Rector Prof. Agussani and UM’s Deputy Dean of Undergraduate and Student Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tengku Intan Mohd Ali.
The cultural exchange was lively, featuring a series of creative performances by students from both UMSU and UM, including traditional Malay dances from Indonesia and Malaysia, live music, solo vocals, poetry, and a monologue presented by a UMSU student.
This was not UMSU’s first international cultural exchange, as similar programs have previously been held with students from Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Meanwhile, UM’s Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tengku Intan expressed appreciation for the warm welcome. “This activity not only showcases Malay culture but also strengthens our friendship. We hope this collaboration continues to grow through various programs in the future,” she said.
The event concluded with a group photo session and an exchange of souvenirs between UMSU and the University of Malaya.
The UM delegation included Datuk Prof. Colonel K. Dr. Awang Azman Awang Pawi, Director of the Malay Excellence Research Center; Dr. Mardian Shah Omar, Advisor of the Mobility Program at the Faculty of Malay Studies; Dr. Nurul Asmaa Akmal MD Din, Coordinator at the Malay Excellence Research Center; along with exchange students. From UMSU, attendees included the Dean and Vice Deans, PKBM UMSU Chair Prof. Dr. Khairil Anshari, M.Pd, OIC Chair and team, as well as students.
