In a groundbreaking stride toward internationalization, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam in education, research, and community service program. In addition to the student mobility program, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) hosted the UiTM International Cross-Culture Humanitarian Programme (ICCHP) 2023. Initiated by the KPPIM (Kolej Pengajian Pengkomputeran, Informatik, dan Matematik) at UiTM Shah Alam, ICCHP 2023 is a community service program at USU and SMA Negeri 15, with the primary objective of introducing fundamental computer techniques and computer-based mathematical sciences.
Running from November 13 to 16, 2023, the ICCHP 2023 program involved the participation of 25 Malaysian students and three lecturers. The program commenced with a welcome ceremony on the first day, graciously hosted by the USU Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology (Fasilkom-TI). The event's highlight unfolded on the second day as participants actively engaged in a community service project at SMA Negeri 15, introducing basic computer techniques and computer-based mathematical sciences. Following the successful execution of the main event, the third day featured a guided tour of Medan City led by two USU students, Zilmi Haridhi (Law) and Muhammad Stia Abghipraya Adjie (Fasilkom-TI). The closing ceremony and cultural night on the last day occurred at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, where students from both universities performed a cultural night.
This series of program activities is envisioned as a pivotal step in the internationalization process between UiTM Shah Alam and USU, fostering a more comprehensive and positively impactful approach to realizing internationalization between the two institutions. Through this program, UiTM Shah Alam and USU aim to introduce and enhance cross-cultural understanding, cultivating a shared commitment to humanitarian goals. The collaboration of ICCHP 2023 will encompass joint community service, academic exchanges, and collaborative initiatives geared toward promoting cultural integration and emphasizing the importance of basic computer technology. This program serves as a platform for students and faculty members from both universities to engage in meaningful cross-cultural interactions, contributing to developing a more interconnected and empathetic global community.
Expressing enthusiasm about the collaboration, Dr. Suzana Binti Ahmad, a lecturer in KPPIM at UiTM Shah Alam, stated, "This partnership signifies a significant step forward in our commitment to global humanitarian efforts. By joining forces with USU, we aim to leverage our collective strengths to make a positive impact on society." Similarly, Dr. Mohammad Andri Budiman, S.T., M.Comp.Sc., M.E.M., the Vice Dean I of Fasilkom-TI at USU, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of cross-cultural collaboration and the introduction of basic computer techniques for students. "ICCHP 2023 provides an opportunity to work together in finding innovative solutions that transcend cultural boundaries," he added.
The collaborative internationalization efforts between USU and UiTM Shah Alam are anticipated not only to contribute to the success of ICCHP 2023 but also to the broader advancement of cross-cultural initiatives in academia and beyond. As the two institutions join hands, they envision a future where international collaborations become a catalyst for positive change and a model for global cooperation in addressing educational needs in the future.
