{"id":18196,"date":"2026-09-12T14:41:40","date_gmt":"2026-09-12T07:41:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/umsu.ac.id\/en\/?p=18196"},"modified":"2026-10-24T14:47:33","modified_gmt":"2026-10-24T07:47:33","slug":"umsu-hosts-next-d-2026-conference-with-200-experts-from-across-the-globe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/umsu.ac.id\/en\/umsu-hosts-next-d-2026-conference-with-200-experts-from-across-the-globe\/","title":{"rendered":"UMSU Hosts Next-D 2026 Conference with 200 Experts from Across the Globe"},"content":{"rendered":"

Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) hosted the Next-D 2026 International Conference under the theme \u201cTransforming the Digital Landscape with Emerging Technologies.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

The event was organized in collaboration with Faizuddin Center of Excellence in Education (FCoEE) and brought together 200 experts and industry professionals from across Asia, including South Korea, India, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Brunei Darussalam. The two-day conference took place on September 12\u201313 at UMSU\u2019s auditorium on Jalan Muchtar Basri No. 3, Medan.<\/p>\n

The conference was also supported by several institutions, including Deztron University, Indonesia; Fahad University, Saudi Arabia; Ubudiyah Indonesia University; the National Institute of Technology Silchar, India; Kasetsart University, Thailand; and Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University, Brunei Darussalam.<\/p>\n

The conference was officially opened by UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd., who expressed his appreciation for the event. He described hosting the conference as both an honor and a source of pride for UMSU. He hoped that the participation of experts from various countries would broaden perspectives and foster institutional partnerships with tangible benefits.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe hope the experts\u2019 presence will bring valuable experience, meaningful connections, and lasting knowledge, particularly as we work toward a better digital future,\u201d the Rector said.<\/p>\n

He also expressed hope that Next-D 2026 would go beyond academic discussions to generate collaborative initiatives and lasting benefits for universities and society.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis conference is expected to serve as a platform for learning, exchanging ideas, strengthening collaboration, and creating positive, sustainable impacts for institutions and communities,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

The opening session featured six keynote speakers, alongside two representatives from industry. One of the keynote speakers was UMSU Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, Community Service, and Internationalization, Dr. Rudianto, M.Si., who delivered the first keynote presentation, titled \u201cDigital Transformation in Higher Education: Adaptive Leadership in the AI Era.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Dr. Rudianto explained that technology is essential to improving efficiency and productivity. He noted that universities have traditionally served as institutions where people acquire knowledge, competencies, skills, and academic qualifications. However, advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital learning platforms have made knowledge increasingly accessible beyond formal educational institutions.<\/p>\n

People can now learn a wide range of skills through technology platforms, including AI-powered tools. This shift requires universities to redefine their roles, values, and competitive advantages.<\/p>\n

According to Dr. Rudianto, the main challenge for higher education institutions is not simply whether to adopt AI, but how to adapt their cultures, regulations, curricula, governance, and academic systems to these changes.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf all students are already using AI, should we continue designing assignments and examinations in the same way as before? This is a new culture that we must address fairly and appropriately,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Other keynote speakers included:<\/p>\n