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 exploring international issues, developing students’ global competencies, and enhancing their capacity to meet the challenges of an increasingly interconnected world.
In his remarks, Vice Rector III Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rudianto described the forum as a strategic initiative that aligns with UMSU’s roadmap to become a World-Class University by 2033.
“This is an important breakthrough that deserves our appreciation. UMSU has long been committed to international engagement, and we need a dedicated student community that focuses on global issues from the students’ perspective,” he said.
According to him, the UMSU Youth Forum will become one of the university’s key pillars in expanding its international partnerships and global engagement. This initiative complements the growing number of international students choosing to study at UMSU.
“This year, UMSU welcomes around 1,200 international students, demonstrating that our university has gained international recognition. I believe the UMSU Youth Forum can become the backbone of our efforts to strengthen interaction with the global community,” he added.
He also emphasized that the forum has a unique mission that distinguishes it 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 strong interests and capabilities in international affairs.
“We founded 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 successful global careers,” he explained.
He expressed hope that the forum would help nurture future leaders equipped with strong communication, leadership, and international engagement skills.
Rafi’i also announced that the UMSU Youth Forum is preparing to launch its first international initiative.
“Our first international project is planned to 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 leading the new organization.
“I am proud and excited to be part of this community because it offers tremendous opportunities for UMSU students to excel both academically and professionally,” he said.
He explained that the forum will actively encourage students to participate in international conferences, academic programs, exchange activities, and other global initiatives that enhance their competitiveness.
The establishment of the UMSU Youth Forum further reflects the university’s commitment to internationalization. UMSU has earned international accreditation from FIBAA (Germany), received academic 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.
