USK and UTM Establish Nusantara Global Lab to Elevate the Intellectual Heritage of the Archipelago

Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) have officially agreed to establish the Nusantara Global Lab, aimed at promoting and preserving the intellectual heritage of the Nusantara region. This commitment was announced by USK Rector, Prof. Dr. Ir. Marwan and UTM Rector, Prof. Shafry Mohd Rahim, during a meeting held at USK’s Rectorate Mini Hall on 21 February 2025.

Prof. Shafry emphasized the importance of collaboration between universities in closely related nations like Malaysia and Indonesia. He stated that such partnerships are crucial for strengthening the academic and cultural identities of both countries. The Nusantara Global Lab is expected to serve as a platform for advancing various fields of knowledge rooted in the region’s rich intellectual history.

Furthermore, he highlighted that strengthening academic fields is not only aimed at enhancing societal welfare but also carries a deeper spiritual meaning.

“Our main mission is to elevate the dignity of our region through knowledge. After all, Islamic history has deep roots here, in Aceh, Pattani, and Malacca. These places serve as essential reference points for intellectual heritage, which we must preserve and pass on,” he said.

Prof. Shafry also expressed UTM’s readiness to support USK in various academic fields, particularly in petroleum engineering—a discipline in which UTM has long been recognized for its expertise.

“There is great potential for collaboration, especially in petroleum engineering. UTM is fully prepared to assist so that we can grow and advance together,” he added.

USK Rector, Prof. Dr. Ir. Marwan, welcomed the initiative, stating that the vision of Nusantara Global Lab aligns with USK’s mission to expand scientific knowledge. He emphasized that this new collaboration further strengthens the longstanding partnership between USK and UTM.

Over the years, USK and UTM have engaged in various joint programs, including student exchanges and research collaborations. With the establishment of the Nusantara Global Lab, USK looks forward to exploring new opportunities for academic cooperation with UTM.

“USK has long been recognized for its expertise in disaster studies and Acehnese patchouli research. However, there are many other academic fields we can develop together through this forum,” said Prof. Marwan.

Also present at the meeting were the Director of UTM International, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Moh Ariffin Bin Abu Hassan, the Rector of Universitas Teuku Umar, and UTU Vice-Rector I.

From USK, attendees included the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, the Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Entrepreneurship, the University Secretary, the Director of the Graduate School, the Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business, the Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, and the Chairman of the Office of International Affairs.

After the meeting, all meeting members attended the closing ceremony of the Global Learning Program at the VIP Hall of AAC Dayan Dawood. During the event, 20 UTM students, who had participated in the Global Learning Program from 16-20 February 2025, performed an Acehnese dance that they had learned before.