UTM Expresses Interest in Joint KKN Program in Aceh with USK
A delegation from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) visited Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) on 23 January 2025. The delegation was warmly received by USK Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Prof. Dr. Ir. Agussabti, M.Si.
One of the key proposals brought forward by UTM was a joint Community Service Program (KKN). Under this initiative, UTM plans to send 10 students to Aceh to engage directly with local communities and gain hands-on experience.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mahyuddin bin Arsat, Deputy Chair of the School of Undergraduate Studies at UTM, highlighted the university’s ongoing collaborations across ASEAN.
“We have conducted a one-week outbound program in Cambodia, an international KKN with UNNES, and many other initiatives. Moving forward, we hope to have an opportunity to collaborate in Aceh with USK,” he stated.
UTM also extended an invitation for USK students to visit Malaysia for future collaborative programs. The initiative is expected to be mutually beneficial, offering both universities valuable academic and cultural exchanges.
“We are planning for the program to take place from May 5 to 10,” Dr. Mahyuddin explained while presenting slides on the international KKN initiative as part of the International Service Learning (ISL) program in Aceh.
Prof. Agussabti welcomed the proposal, noting that USK has maintained long-standing academic partnerships with Malaysian universities, including previous collaborations in international KKN and the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program.
“USK is open to this initiative. For the collaboration with UTM, we should immediately form a working team to ensure proper recognition and accreditation,” Prof. Agussabti remarked.
He further suggested expanding the international KKN initiative beyond USK to include other universities in Aceh and Sumatra, providing students with a broader and more diverse learning experience.
“USK and UTM should also collaborate on joint research projects in alignment with the ministry’s Impactful Research initiative. This would support knowledge application that benefits regional development,” he added.
Dr. Muzailin Affan, the Chairman of the Office of International Affairs (OIA) of USK, who coordinated UTM’s visit and attended the meeting, also expressed strong support for the international KKN initiative.
“The OIA will fully support this program and will soon open registrations to select students who will be sent to Malaysia based on relevant academic backgrounds,” Dr. Muzailin stated.
He also emphasized that the collaboration with UTM is not limited to the international KKN program but is also open to other initiatives, including International Summer Courses.
The delegates from UTM members are Prof. Ts. Dr. Intan Zaurah binti Mat Darus, Chair, School of Undergraduate Studies, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mahyuddin bin Arsat, Deputy Chair, School of Undergraduate Studies, and Mrs. Nurul Diana binti Kayat, Assistant Registrar, School of Undergraduate Studies.
