The Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FT USU), welcomed the Dean of the Fakulti Teknologi Kejuruteraan Awam, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (FTKA UMPSA), Associate Professor Dr. Noram Irwan Ramli, as part of efforts to strengthen academic collaboration and explore opportunities for developing international programmes between the two institutions.

The visit was welcomed by the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering USU, Prof. Dr. Ir. Renita Manurung, M.T., the Vice Dean for Academic, Student Affairs, and Alumni Affairs) Prof. Dr. Ir. Rosdanelli Hasibuan, S.T.,M.T, the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation and Internationalisation, Zaid Perdana Nasution, S.T., M.T., Ph.D.; the Head of the Bachelor’s Programme in Civil Engineering, Dr. Ir. Ika Puji Hastuty, S.T., M.T., IPM; and the Head of the Master’s and Doctoral Programmes in Civil Engineering, Ir. Gina Cynthia Raphita Hasibuan, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D.

Also attending the meeting were the Manager for Cooperation, Research, Community Service and Internationalisation, Emma Patricia Bangun, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D., DIC; Civil Engineering lecturers Ir. Titi Hayati, S.T., M.T. and Vreslisawati Sagala, S.T., M.Sc.; as well as the Head of the Professional Engineer Programme (PSPPI), Ir. Nismah Panjaitan, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., ASEAN Eng. The meeting took place in an open and productive academic atmosphere, with discussions focusing on the development of cooperation in education, research, and academic mobility between FT USU and FTKA UMPSA.

One of the main agendas discussed was the potential development of a double degree/dual degree programme at the Master’s level in Civil Engineering. The discussion focused on the alignment of academic structures between the two universities, credit recognition and transfer, research milestones, joint supervision mechanisms, student mobility, as well as expected research and publication outputs. The proposed scheme is expected to provide students with stronger international academic exposure while expanding opportunities for collaboration among lecturers and researchers from both universities.

In addition to postgraduate cooperation, the meeting also explored broader opportunities for collaboration between FT USU and FTKA UMPSA, including the development of joint activities involving the wider academic community of FT USU. Potential areas of cooperation include student and staff exchanges, guest lectures, joint research activities, collaborative publications, international seminars, joint supervision, as well as academic and student programmes involving undergraduate, Master’s, and Doctoral students.

This collaboration forms part of FT USU’s efforts to expand its international network while enhancing the quality of education and research in Civil Engineering. Cooperation with UMPSA is also expected to extend beyond academic mobility and develop into a sustainable partnership capable of producing research and innovation that respond to various infrastructure-related challenges.

The meeting also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by expanding access to quality education and international learning experiences; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, by strengthening research, innovation, and knowledge development in the field of infrastructure; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by strengthening international partnerships between Universitas Sumatera Utara and Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah.

Through this meeting, FT USU and FTKA UMPSA demonstrated their commitment to continuing communication and technical discussions so that the various cooperation opportunities identified can be developed into structured programmes that provide tangible benefits for students, academic staff, and the institutional development of both universities.