Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) has officially launched the UMSU Youth Forum, a new student community established to strengthen the university’s internationalization agenda. The forum was inaugurated by Vice Rector III, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rudianto, M.Si., on Friday (June 5) in the VIP Room of the UMSU Main Campus on Muchtar Basri Street No. 3, Medan.
The UMSU Youth Forum is a student-led organization mentored by the UMSU Language Center (PUSBA). It focuses on discussing international issues, developing global competencies, and enhancing students’ capacity to face global challenges.
In his remarks, Vice Rector III Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rudianto described the forum as an innovative initiative that aligns with UMSU’s roadmap to become a World-Class University by 2033.
“This is a breakthrough that deserves our appreciation. UMSU has long been committed to international engagement, and we need a student community dedicated to discussing global issues from the students’ perspective,” he said.
According to him, the UMSU Youth Forum will become one of the university’s key platforms for expanding international partnerships and strengthening global engagement. This initiative is also in line with the growing number of international students studying at UMSU.
“This year, UMSU has around 1,200 international students, demonstrating that our university is gaining wider international recognition. I believe the UMSU Youth Forum can become the backbone of our efforts to further strengthen interaction with the global community,” he added.
He also emphasized that the forum has a distinctive mission that sets it apart from existing student organizations on campus.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Rafi’i, S.Pd., M.A., Head of the UMSU Language Center (PUSBA), explained that the forum was established to maximize the potential of students with a strong interest in international affairs.
“We established this organization because we see tremendous potential among our students. Rather than allowing that potential to go untapped, we want to provide a platform where they can gather, exchange ideas, discuss internationalization, and prepare themselves for future global careers,” he explained.
He expressed hope that the forum would nurture future leaders equipped with excellent communication, leadership, and international networking skills.
He also announced that the UMSU Youth Forum will soon launch its first international program.
“Our first international project will take place in Malaysia in the near future,” he said.
The newly elected President of the UMSU Youth Forum, Muhammad Nafis, a student from the International Class of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, expressed his pride in the establishment of the organization.
“I am proud and delighted to be part of this community because it will have a significant impact on UMSU students, particularly in supporting their academic achievements and future careers,” he said.
He added that the forum will actively encourage students to participate in various international programs, conferences, exchanges, and other global activities.
The establishment of the UMSU Youth Forum reflects UMSU’s ongoing commitment to internationalization. The university has earned FIBAA international accreditation (Germany), received recognition from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), been included in The World University Rankings, and achieved numerous other international distinctions, reinforcing its position as one of North Sumatra’s leading globally oriented universities.
