USK Welcomes Delegation from University of the Nations Jeju
Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) welcomed a delegation from the University of the Nations (UofN) Jeju, South Korea, in a meeting aimed at strengthening academic and cultural collaboration between the two institutions, 5 November 2025. The courtesy visit took place at the Rector’s Mini Meeting Room and was led by USK Rector, Prof. Dr. Ir. Marwan.
In his remarks, Prof. Marwan expressed his sincere appreciation and joy for the visit, describing it as a meaningful step in reinforcing a long-standing partnership.
“This visit marks an important moment to further strengthen the academic and cultural ties that have existed for more than two decades, since the post-tsunami collaboration in 2004,” said Prof. Marwan.
He also extended his gratitude for the warm hospitality received by USK’s delegation during their return visit to Jeju in May this year. Both universities expressed hope that this partnership will continue to flourish through various academic, research, and cultural initiatives.
The Rector highlighted the achievements of the King Sejong Institute (KSI) USK, which continues to play a vital role in fostering relations between Aceh and Korea.
“This year, KSI also supported the implementation of the Sejong Culture Academy 2025 K-Beauty program by inviting renowned cultural expert Mr. Kang Jung Chang. This initiative has been a positive step in introducing Korean culture to Aceh,” Prof. Marwan added.
During the meeting, he also conveyed his appreciation to Ms. Ester Lee, a UofN staff member who has dedicated ten years to the management of KSI USK, and to Prof. Sung Kyu Kim for his role as a bridge of friendship between USK and UofN.
The UofN delegation was led by Prof. Sok Gon Park, Ed.M., Chairman of the University of the Nations Jeju, accompanied by Dr. Steve Dong Wook Kang (Head of Planning Department) and Prof. Sung Kyu Kim (Coordinator & Board of Trustees).
In his response, Prof. Park expressed his deep gratitude for the warm welcome from USK’s academic community and said he was honored to return to the university.
“We see an incredible spirit of collaboration here and hope this partnership will continue to grow in the future,” said Prof. Park, emphasizing UofN’s commitment to supporting educational and cultural initiatives through KSI USK.
Both universities also agreed on several follow-up initiatives to enhance collaboration, including the launch of an intensive Korean language class for 20 students from USK’s Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), which will later expand to other faculties, Art Education cooperation, where a Korean lecturer will teach regularly every Monday at the Performing Arts Department (Sendratasik) of FKIP USK, and strengthening the Architecture Study Program, through continued engagement of Korean lecturers and the planned development of a modular, industry-integrated learning system, inspired by UofN’s teaching model.
From USK, attendees included Vice Rector for Planning, Business, and Cooperation, Prof. Dr. Ir. Taufiq Saidi, M.Eng., Chairman of the Office of International Affairs (OIA), Dr. Muzailin Affan, Dean of FMIPA, and Vice Deans for Academic Affairs from the Faculty of Engineering and FKIP.
The meeting concluded with optimism for deeper collaboration and stronger educational and cultural ties between Aceh and Jeju in the years to come.
